2006 ANNUAL REPORT
1 Picture Index
Gill Elementary 6th Grade Class by Debra Roussel ...... Cover Kneeling Left to Right: Shawn Englehardt, Ceara Dolhenty, Jackie LaFleur, Kaylyn Tognarelli, Abby Chicanowicz, Chilen Merrill and Raleigh Yates. Standing Left to Right: Jonny Marguet, Jeremy Peffer, Anthony Suprenant, T.J. Meyer, Jeffrey Taylor, Bthany Laramie, nala Vaughn, Alyssa Weld, Courtney Brown, Brittany York, Megan Atherton, and Leslie Kozma. Philip Maddern by David Detmold ...... 5 French King View by Chris Gionet ...... 15 Barton Cove at Dusk by Jeff LaCoy ...... 22 Antique Truck by Kevin Lonie ...... 34 Barton Cove Shorline by Linda Marlowe ...... 36 Muskrat Love by Jeff LaCoy ...... 38 View of the French King Bridge by Rob Donner ...... 41 Main Road after the Storm by Linda Marlowe ...... 45 Flagg’s Gate by Linda Marlowe ...... 49 Gill Way by Rosa L. Poon ...... 57 Aerial of French King Bridge by MA Highway ...... 87 NMH Sugar House by Linda Marlowe ...... 121 Gill Town Hall all Decked Out by Deb Roussel ...... Inside Back Cover
2 ANNUAL REPORT ofofof Officers and Committees
2006
3 4 Annual Report Dedication
In recognition of his years of service to the Town
Philip W. Maddern Philip has lived in Gill all his life. After graduating from Mount Hermon School, he attended three semesters at Wentworth Institute in Bos- ton, MA in pursuit of an engineering degree. Philip then went to work initially as a mechanic and later as a salesman for heavy equipment in the Brattleboro, VT area. It was in this timeframe that he shared his evenings between his new girlfriend, Miss Suzie and playing in a rock and roll band known as the Northern Lights. Check it out at: www.rockabillyhall.com/Busters.html
Suzie and Phil were married in 1963, forty-three years ago and have three children: Elizabeth, Linda and Thomas...all three graduates of NMH. In 1990 Philip retired and built the solar powered greenhouse, which through trial and error evolved into production of a thriving salad sprout business known as the Gill Greenery.
In the midst of all this Philip became involved in local politics, serving first on the Memorial Committee, then the Planning Committee, As- sessors and eventually becoming a Selectman, were he has served for the past fifteen years.
It is believed Philip learned public service from his parents. His mother, Ethel Maddern served as Gill’s Library Trustee, as a Ceme- tery Commissioner and as a Police Woman! His father George Mad- dern served as a member of the Planning Committee.
We thank Philip and his family for all they have done for Gill over the years and wish him the best in his retirement from public service.
5 Table of Contents
Accountant’s Reports ...... 88
Animal Control Officer ...... 32
Annual Report Dedication ...... 5
Appointment by the Board of Health ...... 13
Appointments by the Moderator ...... 13
Appointments by the Select Board ...... 7
Board of Assessors ...... 23
Board of Health ...... 34
Building Committee ...... 35
Cable Advisory Committee ...... 36
Cemetery Commission ...... 37
Conservation Commission ...... 38
Council On Aging ...... 39
Cultural Council ...... 42
Elected Town Officials ...... 9
Federal, State and County Officials ...... 8
Finance Committee ...... 25
Fire Department ...... 26
Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program ...... 60
Franklin County Solid Waste District ...... 58
Franklin County Technical School ...... 65
6 Table of Contents
Franklin Regional Council of Governments ...... 55
Franklin County Local Emergency Planning Committee ...... 63
Gill-Montague Regional School District ...... 67
Highway Department ...... 33
Historical Commission ...... 44
Memorial Committee ...... 43
Personnel Board ...... 45
Planning Board ...... 50
Police Report ...... 29
Recreation Commission ...... 46
Select Board ...... 18
Slate Memorial Library Trustees ...... 51
Tax Collector ...... 97
Technology Committee ...... 52
Town Clerk Financial Report ...... 102
Town Meeting & Election Minutes ...... 103
Treasurer’s Summary ...... 92
Trust Funds/Balance Sheet All Funds ...... 87
Veterans’ Services ...... 53
Vital Statistics ...... 14
Wells Trust Fund ...... 54
7 FEDERAL, STATE & COUNTY OFFICIALS
U. S. Senators Edward M. Kennedy John F. Kerry
U. S. Representative John W. Olver
Governor Deval Patrick (elected 11/2006) Lt. Governor Tim Murray
State Senator Stanley C. Rosenberg
State Representative Christopher J. Donelan
Franklin Regional Ann H. Banash, Chair, Regionally Elected Executive Committee Bill Perlman,Vice Chair, Regionally Elected Council of Governments Sam Lovejoy, Secretary, FRPB Appointee Christine Forgey, Council Appointee John Paciorek, Council Appointee
ELECTED TOWN OFFICIALS
Office Name Term
Board of Selectmen Philip W. Maddern 2007 Ann H. Banash 2008 Leland E. Stevens 2009
Note: Selectmen serve as Sewer Commissioners: Measurers of Wood, Bark & Surveyors of Lumber & Fence Viewers.
Field Driver Clifford C. Hatch 2008 Edward J. Golembeski 2008
Assessors Gregory Snedecker 2008 Peter Conway Roll Call Vote 8/21/2006 Philip W. Maddern Roll Call Vote 5/31/2006
Cemetery Commission Beverly L. Demars 2007 Carrie R. Stevens 2008 Patricia Haigis 2009
Constables Fred O. Chase, II 2008 Fred O. Chase, III 2008 Craig D. Gaudry 2008
8 ELECTED TOWN OFFICIALS
Gill-Montague Regional Theodore Castro-Santos 2008 School Committee Sue Henry 2007 Valeria Smith 2009
Library Trustees Ellen A. Johnson, Chairman 2009 Susan J. Kramer 2007 Ann C. Perry 2008
Moderator Raymond F. Steele 2009
Board of Health Douglas A. Edson, Chairman 2007 Edward W. Galipault, Jr. 2008 Randy P. Crochier 2009
Tax Collector Veronica A. LaChance 2008
Town Clerk Lynda Hodsdon Mayo 2009
Treasurer Veronica A. LaChance 2007
Tree Warden Ernest M. Hastings 2009
APPOINTMENTS BY SELECTMEN
Accountant Joyce Muka, Accounting Program Franklin Regional Council of Goverments
Town Counsel Donna MacNicol of MacNicol &Tombs, LLC
Administrative Assistant Debra A. Roussel
Highway Superintendent Mitchell LaClaire, Jr.
Building Commissioner James Hawkins Local Bldg. Inspector James Cerone Alternate Inspector David Jensen Electrical Inspector James Slowinski Gas & Plumbing Inspector Andy French
Veterans' Agent Leo Parent
Veteran’s Grave Officer William Huber
Fred W. Wells Trust Frank J. Cutting
9 APPOINTMENTS BY SELECTMEN
Emergency Manager Gene Beaubien
911 Coordinator Joseph Elliott, Jr.
Fire Chief Gene Beaubien
Bd. of Engineers Gene Beaubien Kenneth Sears Stuart Elliott Donald Crouse, Jr. Gary Parzych Christopher Masloski
Hazardous Waste Coordinator Douglas Edson
Right-to-Know Debra A. Roussel
Police Chief David W. Hastings
Police Officers Christopher Redmond, Sgt. Douglas Kaczmarczyk Adam Sokoloski Nicole Fiske Robert Hunter James Deery Scott M. Waldron Shaun Coughlin Melinda Shearer, Matron
Animal Control Officer Edward Ambo, Jr.
DARE Officer David W. Hastings
Board of Appeals Suzanne Smiley 2009 Robert Perry 2010 Lawrence Underwood 2008 William Burnham 2009
Board of Registrars Allan Adie, Sr. 2008
Richard Peller 2010 Harriet A. Tidd 2009 Lynda Hodsdon Mayo 2009
10 Building Committee Philip Maddern, Chair Edward Pogoda Ernest Hastings Richard French Roger Augustine
Cable (PEG Access) Committee Lynda Hodsdon Mayo 2007 Leland Stevens 2007 Richard James 2007 Donald Kruger 2007
Community Development Ann Banash Sandy Brown Tupper Brown Richard French Suzanne Smiley Carrie Stevens Gary Bourbeau Anthony Mathews
Conservation Commission Anthony Mathews 2010 Edward Pogoda 2008 Keith Lilly 2010 Ted Castro-Santos 2009 Ken Sprankle 2009
Council on Aging Beverly Demars, Chair 2008 Audrey Ambo 2008 Joseph Naida 2009 Harriett Tidd 2007 Jim Greenleaf 2009
Cultural Council Elizabeth Gardner 2007 Lissa Greenough 2007 Kathleen Augustine 2008 Marilyn Odeh 2007 Veronica LaChance 2009 Steve Damon 2010 Lyn Nichols 2010 Emily Samuels 2010
Fr. County Bikeway Susan LaScala 2007
Fr. County Debra Roussel 2007 Inspection Program
11 APPOINTMENTS BY SELECTMEN BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS
Fr. Regional Transit James Poulsen 2007
Historical Commission Cristin Carpenter, Chair 2008 Richard French 2007 Pam Shoemaker 2007 Robert Perry 2006 Beverly Demars 2007 Stuart Elliott 2007 Lynda Hodsdon Mayo 2008
Memorial Committee Gary Bourbeau 2008 Doug Smith 2008 Elaine Smith 2008 Chester Kuzontkoski 2008
Open Space Committee Thomas Storrow Richard French Anthony Mathews Robert Perry Beverly Demars Kenneth Garber Clifford Hatch Sue Ward Sally Shaw
Planning Board Douglas Smith, Chair 2007 Shirley Flagg 2007 John Duda 2007 Tim Storrow 2009 Richard French 2010
Solid Waste Dist. Comm. Arthur Cohen 2006
Veteran’s District Pat Haigis 2006
12 APPOINTMENTS BY SELECTMEN BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENTS BY BOARD OF HEALTH
Animal Inspector Tari Grimard 2006
Burial Agent Harriet A. Tidd 2006
APPOINTMENTS BY MODERATOR
Finance Committee Paul H. Nowill, Chair 2008 Paul Worthington 2008 Ed Delhante 2007 Veronica LaChance 2007 Joe Williams 2007 Nancy Griswold 2009
Franklin Cty. Technical School Committee Clifford C. Hatch 2007
Gill/Montague Advisory Committee Vacant
Personnel Committee David W. Hastings, Chair, Employee Representative Ann Banash, Selectboard Representative Paul Nowill, Finance Committee Representative Kristi Tognarelli, Appointed at Large Tom Hodak, Appointed at Large Debra Roussel, Administrative Assistant
Recreation Committee Nathan Duda, Chair 2009 John Duda 2008 Rose Levasseur 2007 Charlene Vaughn 2007 Kimberly Malcom 2009
Agricultural Commission Bruce Yukl 1009 Richard French 1009 Bridget Logan 1010
13
2006 GILL VITAL STATISTICS
BIRTHS
Date Name Parents
February 7 Anne Katherine Kolodziej Jillian Marie (Sarringer) Matthew Thomas Kolodziej
February 7 Ella Grace Kolodziej Jillian Marie (Sarringer) Matthew Thomas Kolodziej
February 24 Alexander Michael Shutta Kristine Betty (Dusenberry) David Daniel Shutta
May 26 Quinn Garrett Bathory-Peeler Megan Corinne (Bathory) Steven Yorke Bathory-Peeler
September 27 Iassc Michael Gregory Overstreet Sudi Laura (Gregory) Jason Brian Overstreet
December 15 Brady Lee Serrell Jessica Sejus Wright Jeffrey Lee Serrell
14 MARRIAGES
Date Names May 26, 2006 Alyn Michella Smith (Pelletier) David Warren Hastings
May 28, 2006 Rachel Kent Christopher Hansen Klosson
September 30, 2006 Amy Beth (Flagg) Jacob Byrd Rau
View from the French King Bridge - Chris Gionet DEATHS
Date Name March 1, 2006 Roberta Marian Fiske April 1, 2006 Pauline A. Haskell April 19, 2006 Paul N. Remillard May 9, 2006 Jean Marie Martin June 3, 2006 David George Martineau October 9, 2006 Rita M. Crowley October 26, 2006 Leonard Richard Bruno November 23, 2006 Helen Daniel December 3, 2006 Mary Irene Gusan December 5, 2006 Joan Elizabeth Morin
Respectfully Submitted, Lynda Hodsdon Mayo, Town Clerk
15
16 ANNUAL REPORTS OF TOWN OFFICIALS
GILL FLAG IN STATE HOUSE
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
17 REPORT OF THE SELECT BOARD
In addition to the cyclical jobs the Board assumes, including licensing, permits, appointments, approving bills schedules and payroll, we bear a broad scope of authority and responsibility.
The Board re-authorized four liquor licenses for the calendar year 2006, including one club all-alcohol for Schuetzen Verein on Barton’s Cove, one restaurant all-alcohol for Oak Ridge Golf Club on West Gill Road, one beer and wine package store for the Gill Store on Main Road and one all-alcohol package store (Jan’s). A transfer of license was approved for Jan’s Package Store from joint ownership of Mitchell and Jan Lata to Mitchell Lata. Wagon Wheel Restaurant did not renew their beer and wine Victualler license.
The Town re-issued ten class licenses in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140. Two Class I licenses to Green River and AJ Cycle on Main Road and French King Highway respectively. Chappell’s Automotive, Fred’s 4- Wheel, Atlantic Wholesale, Riverside Radiator, and Town Line Auto located on Route 2, Mitchell Motors on Main Road and Doug’s Auto Body on Center Road were issued Class II licenses. One Class III was granted to TEK Cycle on Trenholm Way.
Northfield Mount Hermon completed its transition to one campus in Gill. While they usually provide an annual monetary gift to the Town to be expended by the Selectboard for public safety, members of their staff also serve on our Fire Department, Recreation and Finance Committee and their technical services department provides for our IT needs. They share their facilities with our recreation department, providing access to an indoor swimming pool, hockey arena, basketball courts and sports fields. Continued dialogue between administrations at both levels will hopefully move the relationship forward in unimagined directions. The Board approved two expenditures from the Public Safety Fund this fiscal year, $2,785 and $1,431.57 each to provide matching funds for grant applications for Fire Department safety equipment.
The final report on the archeological study of the Mariamante Parcel performed by University of Massachusetts Archeological Services brought forward evidence of various concentrations of American Indian artifacts dating back 7000 years, despite considerable disturbance by settlement of Gill. Testing identified broad areas free of artifacts, however one area of the parcel contained subsurface features that may have the potential to yield further information relative to settlement and trade system patterns in the area. While the information needed to make this determination can only be provided by further examination, the Selectboard opted to move forward with the sale of the parcel. The board agreed to add a covenant to the sale process that stipulates a buyer must avoid the area in any proposed development or conducting the necessary testing to further define findings. A group is being appointed to oversee the procurement process required under Massachusetts General Law to include the Chairs of the
18 Selectboard, Finance Committee, Board of Appeals and Historical Commission, a member of the Charrette Ad Hoc Committee, or a designate from their respective committees if they are unable to serve, a representative from the Franklin Regional Council of Governments administrative staff and the Administrative Assistant.
Reorganization of the space in town hall is forever evolving and this year proved no different. The Highway Department was able to reconfigure the kitchen on the main floor, no longer used for functions into a permanent office space for the Selectboard and Administrative Assistant, flipping the wall that adjoined the hall to preserve a kitchen galley for staff or attendees’ needs. The plan also provided a more spacious and private work area for the Town Clerk and Treasurer/Collector on the main floor. The Town profited from some free surplus cubicle walls, adding to the space feeling new and improved. A commercial dehumidifier was added in the basement to address the ongoing moisture problem, protecting archived records and the well being of employees who work in the downstairs offices for extended periods of time.
We were successful in our application for a grant, which provided installation and purchase of a smoke/heat detection system at the Slate Memorial Library, formerly unprotected. It also provided for the first year of monitoring. Now all of Gill’s buildings are protected by alarm!
Our representative from the Department of Revenue Local Services Division came to Gill for an evening to meet with Finance Committee and Select Board members. An overview of the budget process, components of municipal finance and prioritizing the town’s current and future needs were discussed. The gathering enlightened new and established members alike helping in preparation for a tough budget year.
The idea for a volunteer fair bloomed from multiple openings on boards and commissions. Invitations and announcements were publicized and EVERY committee and board was represented with information available on the workings of their group. The evening was a smashing success, with openings filled on the Assessors, Cultural Council, Planning Board and Agricultural Commission. A suggestion for future fairs was to join an event where residents already gather, like the Annual Picnic on the common.
The Board felt strongly that we worked hard to present a level services budget balanced within the confines of Proposition 2-½. The Board was bewildered when in our opinion no adequate justification was presented to substantiate a cut in the cost of living increase included for town employees, who we feel go above and beyond everyday for Gill. Ultimately Town Meeting agreed with the Finance Committee, who was successful in their promotion of a reduction from 3.5% to 2.5%. Town meeting also voted an increase of $1,800 to the Recreation Commission, despite assurance by the Chair of that Committee that users were funding programs. A failed override in Montague forced further reduction in the Gill-Montague school budget, Gill’s 14% share assuming 55% of our overall
19 budget. A premium paid to the School District on the short-term borrowing for the building project provided Gill with $31,774.35 bonus that was used to reduce the annual debt payment on the school building project. That coupled with the reimbursement from the State coming a year early, created a surplus in the level debt planning the Selectboard had put in place as a means to stabilize your tax rate. Ultimately, it provided a direct reduction in the tax rate, given that the borrowing is outside of the levy. The Assessors were successful in their request for an article to allow purchase of updated windows based software and a complete recollection of data throughout the Town of Gill, utilizing a transfer of funds previously appropriated. It is everyone’s hope that the move will bring a renewed sense of confidence in the valuation process. A refurbished voting machine was purchased, as the existing machine could no longer be serviced. Bylaw changes included a noise bylaw, dog licensing regulation changes and the addition of an Agricultural Commission to represent the agricultural community in Gill. The Town had $190,000 of funds from Free Cash to stabilize the Tax Rate in the budget process; free cash is monies that are unexpended at the end of the fiscal year, actual revenues received above estimates etc. This may prove more difficult moving forward, as each year we work to create leaner and leaner budgets, increasing estimates on revenues to supplement ever increasing fixed costs beyond the constraints of Proposition 2 ½ works to eliminate the funds for next year’s funding.
Work continued on bylaw revisions, to include a noise bylaw, local dog licensing regulations and continuation of the process that began as part of a Peer-to-Peer grant reconfiguring duties between zoning and planning boards in the beginning of the calendar year. A Smart Growth grant from the Department of Housing and Community Development provided technical assistance for review and revision of town zoning bylaws, last updated a decade ago. Planning Board members with assistance of planners from the Regional Council of Governments accomplished an extensive review of Gill’s zoning bylaws. Monthly meetings held for almost a year ago enjoyed collaboration across a broad mix of Gill residents and officials, culminating with public presentations in late October at the Town Hall and Riverside Municipal Building and a formal public hearing on November 9th. Unanimous acceptance was achieved the first time it was presented to Town Meeting in December of 2006, a major accomplishment.
Lynda Hodsdon Mayo presented a 10-drawer flat file to house maps and surveys as a gift of to the Town in memory of her late father Leland Barber, which the Board graciously accepted.
The Gill Fireman’s Association offered their brush truck, rescue boat and trailer as a gift to the Town. Town Meeting accepted the offer at a Special Town Meeting in late December, given that replacement of this equipment would only be possible through grant funds, not available to the Association.
The Town was successful in their bid for co-holder status on an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) on the Storrow Farm on River Road, funding a formal appraisal from APR funds appropriated for that purpose. This track will
20 add to a large block of protected farmland and woodland consisting of over 500 acres approaching the Connecticut River. An additional 30+ acres from French/ Samuel Farm on Main Road was granted APR status as well. The two APRs combined preserve approximately an additional 54 acres in Gill. The Worthington farm on Bascom Road is highly scenic and has extensive frontage along the Fall River and is working with Mt. Grace Land Trust on an application for APR status, which the Town supports. While agricultural protection reduces the value of the land by purchase of the building rights, reassigning financial support and tax assessments to others, it has helped preserve the splendor of Gill for generations to come.
Thomas J. Scanlon and Associates of South Deerfield, MA completed an audit for Fiscal 2005. Review disclosed certain areas in which they believed more effective internal control or increased efficiencies could be achieved. Their management report suggested adoption of a policy and procedure with regard to accounting of capital assets and prepare for implementation of GASB Statement No. 45, which will require accounting of post-employment benefits by June 30, 2010. A more consistent conciliation of cash between accountant and treasurer was also noted, although a change in personnel and procedures had occurred in the interim. Recommendations for more timely submission of receipts from all departments and that the Accountant performs periodic interim internal audits of departmental records were made. A departmental inventory of small items that do not qualify for fixed assets was also recommended, at a minimum noting the location of equipment purchased. It was further noted that the Board of Assessors had failed to commit the farm animal excise tax on annual basis to generate revenue for the Town. The cover letter noted that many positive features and functions exist, but will not receive comment since it is only those circumstances that are felt to require management attention and evaluation that are mentioned.
Acting in their capacity as sewer commissioners, the Board was again able to hold Sewer User Fees at .0850 per cubic foot, authorizing quarterly commitments to the Tax Collector for collection of fees based on 90% of water consumption figures obtained from the Riverside Water District. The Highway Department staff maintains the pump station, the machinery responsible for pumping what is collected across the river to Montague.
The Gill elementary sixth grade class led by teacher Joanne Rabideau joined 2,200 participating sixth graders across Massachusetts in an essay contest sponsored by the Massachusetts Municipal Association which began with the line: “If I were elected leader of my community I would make a difference by …” The project included a class trip to the Town Hall, where students heard from elected officials present on the jobs that they perform. Selectwoman Chair Ann Banash offered the opportunity for a mock town meeting in the great hall upstairs. While none of the students won a formal prize, they took away a greater understanding of the workings of small town government and what happens inside their Town Hall.
21
The individuals currently serving as your Selectboard have served together as a Board since 1994. I was elected first in 1992, followed by Ann Banash in 1993 and Leland Stevens in 1994. I have decided not to seek reelection in the spring for health reasons. Since this will be the last Selectboard report in which I will participate, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank both Lee and Ann for our years of service together. Whether we agreed on an issue or not, we treated each other with respect and always walked away from the table as friends. I also want to say how fortunate Gill has been, and I, to have the caliber of individuals serving the Town both elected and appointed, past and present and what a pleasure it has been serving alongside them. I will certainly miss the camaraderie of town government in Gill. Our thanks to all the town officers, appointees, volunteers and employees who participate in the operation and governance process in so many ways. It is their combined effort and call to service that makes Gill a truly fine place in which to live and work.
Respectfully submitted,
Philip W. Maddern, Chair
Photo of Barton’s Cove - Jeff LaCoy
22 ASSESSORS’ REPORT FOR 2006
The Annual Report of the Gill Board of Assessors is herewith submitted to the citizens of the Town of Gill for the Year 2006.
During the calendar year 2006, Gregory Snedeker was named chairperson. Gregory joined by Peter Conway and Philip Maddern, elected by roll call vote of the remaining members of the Board of Assessors and the Selectboard, as dictated by MGL.
The Annual Town Meeting passed the request for a town-wide recollection of data so an RFP was created and bids were reviewed through the summer. The final award was made to the Mayflower Valuation. By the beginning of winter 2006 the plan was underway and homes were being assessed both exterior and interior. The Board of Assessors also had a conversion of data to a new software, which was nearly complete by the end of 2006.
The tax rate for fiscal year 2006 was $15.22 per thousand.
The Board of Assessors has public hours on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to answer the questions of residents. It is helpful to set up an appointment to talk to the Board. The Assessors’ office is open and the clerk is available from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday to set up appointments with the Assessors.
Board of Assessors Gregory Snedeker Peter Conway Philip Maddern
23
FINANCIAL REPORT - FISCAL YEAR 2006 BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Gross Amount to be Raised $ 2,597,227.68 Less Estimated Receipts & Revenues 928,799.85 Net to be Raised $ 1,668,427.83
Valuation: Real Estate $ 107,285,534.00 Personal Property 2,335,217.00 Total Valuation $ 109,620,751.00
Amount to be raised $1,668,427.83\(109,620,751/1000)= $15.22
Tax Rate: $15.22 per $1,000.00 $ 1,668,427.80
Motor Vehicle Excise Commitments
2005 in 2006 7,851.03 2006 in 2006 164,235.64 TOTAL 172,086.67
Motor Vehicle Excise Abatements:
2005 in 2006 107.51 2006 in 2006 4,078.03 TOTAL 4,185.54
Real Estate Exemptions:
Section 22 (Veterans) 3,450.00 Section 42 2,607.19 Section 41C (Over 70) 4,000.00 Real Estate and Personal Property Abatements Chapter 59 16,831.81 TOTAL 26,889.00
24 FINANCE COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 2006
The FY 2007 Budget experienced a continuation of the uncontrollable growth as in the past. However we have now reached the point where an override may be a necessity. The taxes have increased even more than the town budgets because of the loan payments on the new Turners Falls High School and Great Falls Middle School building project which is excluded from the 2 ½ limit. The following Department budgets for FY 2007 were approved at the Town Meeting.
Category FY ‘03 FY ‘04 FY ’05 FY ‘06 FY 07 Approved Budget General 4 -16 6 20 9 $201,482 Government Public 13 17 10 19 10 $246,436 Safety Education 10 22 -3 -8 6 $1,354,570
Public 1 -1 10 27 1 $403,423 Works Human 9 7 41 -7 5 $20,718 Services Culture & 2 10 3 7 5 $20,804 Recreation Fixed -9 -3 -19 NM 20 $39,337 Costs Franklin NM NM NM NM 34 $13,758 Regional Council
Percentage Increases from Previous Year Between ‘04 and ‘06 the definition of fixed costs was changed. Also, Gill started to participate more in the Franklin Regional Council of Government (FCOG). Before FY ‘06 many of the functions now performed by FCOG were included as part of human services.
The Finance Committee wishes to thank all those departments that worked with it to evaluate the budgets, and to especially thank Ronnie Lachance and Debra Roussel for their extra support. I also wish to thank all the members of the Committee who dedicated their time to help the Town’s budgeting process.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Nowill, Chair
25 PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Gill Fire Department responded to 180 calls in 2006, this is up from 205 calls last year. We responded 14 times for mutual aid to surrounding towns, and received mutual aid 7 times. The Fire Department again this year applied for a $4000.00 grant from the State of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation for 50% matching grant to purchase brush fire related equipment. The grant was reduced to $1,920. This reduction was due to the increased number of Fire Departments applying for the grant and our past success; our award was reduced to allow other departments the funding. With this grant we were able to purchase protective brush fire clothing for the firefighters. In December of 2006 the Tri-State Fire Mutual Aid activated the new radio system that has been in the planning for years. In the FY 2006 grant process the Gill Fire Department received over $50, 000 to purchase new radios and headsets for this system. With this new system all police and fire departments will be able to communicate with each other and will be able to limit the radio traffic at a fire scene by using one of the 6 tactical channels. This will make the dispatching easier by keeping non-emergency traffic off the main radio system. The Gill Fire Department continued our aggressive fire prevention program for our elementary school and pre-schools. During this week we visit the schools and have discussions about fire prevention and what to do if you have a fire. With the early grades we have the students practice stop-drop and roll. We have a firefighter don his firefighting gear to show that we are not “monsters”, so that if they see us in a fire they come to us and we will rescue them. In the 5 th grade we have the class come to the fire station and explain about smoke and ventilation. We then fill the meeting room with a candy smoke to give the students a chance to see a smoke filled environment and how easy it is to get disoriented. The 6 th grade also comes to the station and we explain the different classes of fire extinguishers and the proper use of them. We then light some live fires and let the students put them out using extinguishers donated by Dependable Fire and Safety of Greenfield. After the end of the training, each child is given a SAFE T-shirt. I would like to thank all the firefighters who help make this Fire Prevention Week a great success. The fire department continues to train every Thursday night. During these Thursday night trainings the firefighters check all the trucks and equipment to make sure they are in good working order. We then go out and do practical training including ladder training, pumping, fire tactics and simulated fires, and search and rescue, just to name a few. I would like to thank my Training Officers Stu Elliott, Ken Sears, Gary Parzych, and Christopher Goodhind for all their hard work in planning these training nights. The fire department members also continue to devote a lot of their own time for training. These hours spent on training are all unpaid. This
26 means a lot of nights out away from families. We continue to utilize the Mass Firefighting Academy training programs. They are offered throughout the state and open to any firefighter. Meadowood Training facility in New Hampshire has been re-opened and offers training. This past November and December the fire department personnel were trained by MEMA in radiological monitoring and decontamination procedures in case of an event at Vermont Yankee Power Plant. The trainings take place for communities within the ten-mile radius of Vermont Yankee. Every two years there is a full scale exercise conducted by FEMA and the NRC. This event is monitored by FEMA, and their evaluators score us. This past year I went to National Fire Academy in Emmittsburg, Maryland for weekend training. On November 19, 2006 13 Gill firefighters participated in live fire training at the Springfield Fire training facility, The Gill Fire Department continues to upgrade our equipment and replace old worn out equipment. This fire equipment can be very costly and puts a definite impact on our yearly budget. Every year the Gill Firemen’s Association sponsors the annual Halloween party for all children of Gill. Again this past year it was a success and I would like to thank my wife, Dorri, and Maureen Parzych for planning this event. If you are interested in becoming a member please stop by the fire station any Thursday night and talk to us about it. We provide the training and gear; you provide the willingness. As I have stated in past years, it is time for the town to realize that we are a growing community and therefore I will be again requesting a fulltime daytime firefighter position for FY-08. This was not supported by the Selectboard or finance committee for FY-05-06 -07. Due to the number of volunteers working out of town, there is often a delay in a response. Also, there is an increase in paperwork and inspections that need to be done during the work week and some of these can be done during the day. Last year we applied for a FEMA grant to replace our 1979 Ford tanker. We have received word that we were turned down. In light of this the Town needs to start putting money away so that we can purchase a new vehicle in FY 2009, when this vehicle reaches 30yrs. The Town had agreed to replace a truck every ten years so every truck will be in service for 30 yrs. In closing, my thanks to the officers and firefighters of this department for their help and support over the last year. Thanks also to their spouses, children, and significant others for giving up your husband, wife, father, mother to the Fire Department each week…in the middle of the night, middle of dinner. And thanks to the many townspeople who have shown their support for the job we try to do for you. Thanks to Mickey, Ed and George from the highway department, and Dave and Chris and their officers for their support during the past year. Also thanks to my wife, Dorri, for her understanding and help throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted, Gene M. Beaubien . Fire Chief
27 GRANTS ACQUIRED FY07 GILL FIRE DEPARTMENT
Grantee Grantee Share Town Share (NMH Fund) Acquisition
Department of Conservation $960.00 $960.00 Brush Fire Gear Safe Grant $3.017.29 $0.00 Fire Prevention
Fire Department Annual Call Report
Alarm Sounding 22 12.22% Brush Fire 8 4.44% Camp Fire 1 0.56% Car Fire 2 1.11% Chimney Fire 1 0.56% Electrical Problem 2 1.11% Fire Drills 4 2.22% Fire Prevention 6 3.33% Gasoline Leak 1 0.56% Grass Fire 1 0.56% Investigation 2 1.11% Mutual Aid 14 7.78% Medical Emergency 81 45.00% Motor Vehicle Crash 12 6.67% Outside Fire 1 0.56% Oven Fire 1 0.56% Person trapped in Elevator 1 0.56% Possible Bridge Jumper 1 0.56% River Rescue 2 1.11% Smoke Investigation 5 2.78% Smoldering Camp Fire 1 0.56% Telephone Pole Transformer Fire 2 1.11% Trees on Wire 3 1.67% Unknown Type Fire 1 0.56% Unusual Event VY 1 0.56% Motor Vehicle Fire 1 0.56% Wires Down 3 1.67% TOTALS 180 100.00%
28 GILL POLICE DEPARTMENT
David W. Hastings Chief of Police 196B Main Rd Gill MA 01354
Emergency 911 Fax (413) 863-0157 Station (413) 863-9398 Email [email protected]
In completing my 12 th year of the Chief of Police for the Town of Gill, Please except the following as a summary of activity for this great community. It is truly my honor to serve the citizens and serve with my fellow dedicated offi- cers in this department.
In January, the department received a letter of thanks for Sgt Redmond effort in locating and stopping a suspect for a robbery that took place in Winchester NH. Sgt Redmond located the suspect traveling thru Gill and stopped the sus- pect on Route 91, after receiving back up from Bernardston Police Department and the State Police.
It was with great regret we accepted the resignation of Officer Christopher Bilodeau after 5 years of outstanding service to the Town of Gill.
In March, after lengthy investigation two Gill residents were arrested via war- rants for possession and trafficking of Cocaine. One resident from the River- side area and the other being from the Main Road area.
In April, many problems and concerns were dealt with regarding the increased Bear activity in town. Sgt Redmond and the Environmental Police recom- mends these guidelines: NO bird feeders outside in the spring months, bear will usual move along on their own. Bring animals inside if bears are observed. Officers will deploy bean bag rounds if necessary in dealing with confronta- tional bears.
Sgt Redmond attended and completed the Crime Scene Technology and Evi- dence Collection class, paid for by the Community Policing Grant. Chief Hast- ings attended the FBI, New England Regional Training Class for Administra- tors held at UMASS, paid for by the Community Policing Grant.
In May, Officer Waldron assisted the Gill Memorial Committee with traffic control for the services in the Center of Town.
In June, a department meeting was held regarding the increased violence of
29 Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs. Laconia Bike Week brings a great many riders though our community most notably the Hells Angles and Outlaws. Safety precautions were discussed on how any officer would deal with this situation.
In August, Officer Sokolowki participated in the Old Home Days Parade in Montague.
In September, the Main Road Project officially began.
In October of 2006, the Gill Police Department received a certificate of “Outstanding Effort” for our activity during the Click it or Ticket Educational Campaign from the Governors Highway Safety Bureau. This was the 6 th year in a row the department has received funds specifically designated for motor vehicle enforcement of speeding and safety belts. The department was active with Kuzmeskus Bus Lines for the National School Bus Safety Week. At the annual Gill Fire Department Halloween Party, Bicycle Helmets, Key Chains and Seat Belt Adjusters were provided for the community funded thru our de- partment community policing grant. Officers Kaczmarczyk and Coughlin at- tended the Gill-Montague TRIAD dinner assisting with the presentation of “Wild Animals A Common Sense Approach”. Officer Kaczmarczyk was sent the Crime Scene Academy in New Braintree presented by the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office.
In November, Officer Coughlin attended the update class of the Sex Offended Registry Board in Springfield. Chief Hastings attended the Ninth Annual School and Police Conference in Franklin, MA presented by the MA Attorney Generals Office.
Chief Hastings was once again elected Vice-President of the Franklin County Chiefs of Police Association. Pistol Permit appointments are accepted on Tuesday nights between the hours of 6:00 and 9:00 with Officer Fiske.
In ending as always I wish to thank the community for your continued support of our department. In these money conscience times we are all striving to pro- vide the community with the best department available. Also thanks to the other department heads and Selectboard for our continued communication in the interest of the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
David W. Hastings, Chief
30 CALL REPORT
209A SERVICE Total: 5 209A VIOLATION Total: 1 ABANDONED 911 CALL Total: 6 911 CALL Total: 8 911 HANG UP Total: 16 911 MIS DIAL Total: 16 ABANDONED MV Total: 3 ALARM BURGLAR OR HOLDUP Total: 42 EMS ALARM - LIFELINE ACTIVATED Total: 8 FIRE ALARM Total: 22 ALARM RADIO Total: 1 ANIMAL COMPLAINT Total: 46 CHECK WELFARE Total: 24 CAR VS. DEER Total: 3 DEATH Total: 1 DISTURBANCE Total: 9 DISABLED MV Total: 43 ESCORT/TRANSPORT Total: 3 FIRE WORKS Total: 4 GENERAL INFO Total: 2 HARRASMENT Total: 2 ILLEGAL DUMPING Total: 4 INVESTIGATION Total: 28 LINE DOWN, POWER,PHONE OR CABL Total: 5 LOCKOUT Total: 3 MEDICAL EMERGENCY Total: 29 MISSING PERSON Total: 1 MISCELLANEOUS Total: 8 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT Total: 46 MOTOR VEHICLE COMPLAINT Total: 40 NOISE COMPLAINT Total: 16 NOTIFICATION Total: 1 OPEN DOOR Total: 1 OFFICER WANTED Total: 38 SAFETY HAZARD Total: 12 SHOTS FIRED Total: 1 SUICIDE Total: 3 SUSPICIOUS PERSON Total: 18 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY Total: 9 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Total: 16 THREAT Total: 5 TRAFFIC HAZARD Total: 10 UNWANTED PERSON Total: 4 VANDALISM Total: 6 SERVE WARRANT Total: 4 Shelburne Control Call Volume: 1261
31 ACCIDENT REPORTS: 26 ARREST REPORTS: 69 ALL OTHER REPORTS: 530
TRAFFIC CITATION DATA: Arrest 12 1.7 % Civil 269 37.4 % Complaint 16 2.2 % Warning 413 57.4 % Verbal 9 1.3 % TOTAL 719 RACIAL PROFILING DATA: Black 9 1.3% Asian or Pacific Islander 6 0.8% Hispanic 15 2.1% American Indian or Alaskan Native 2 0.3% Middle Eastern or East Indian (South Asian) 1 0.1% White 686 95.4% TOTAL 719
FELONYS 40 MISDEMEANORS 162 ORDINANCES / VIOLATIONS 16 TOTAL: 218
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
I would like to thank Select persons and Police Department and Highway De- partment personnel for their help. I would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to license your dogs and to also tie them up when you are not with them. It’s for your pet’s protection and for the protection of the pub- lic. Thank you.
Report is as follows:
Loose dogs 14 Dog bites 4 Loose livestock 2 Sick animals 7 Cruelty 1 Raccoon bite 1 Noise complaint 1
Respectfully submitted, Edward M. Ambo, Jr.
32 HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
As your highway superintendent I would like to start this years annual report thanking the great citizens of Gill for their support. It is such an honor to work in a community that is dedicated to their fellow citizens.
This past year the highway department has been very much involved in the Main Rd reconstruction project. This project will continue through the next year and when it is done the Town of Gill will have a very nice and much needed roadway. The project is being done in stages, these stages are due to the time frames being mandated by Mass Highway. We would like to thank the residents for their patience during this large scale construction project, as this is one of the largest projects the town has seen in many years.
Highway funds were used this year to patch and shim, pave, seal and repair roads, paint guidelines, fix guardrails, install signs, mow roads and trim brush. We also used these funds to sweep, clean catch basins, plow and sand, general maintenance of the roads and repair town owned buildings.
The highway road sealing program continued this past year with 3/10 of a mile completion of new work on Barney Hale Road and an overlay of 3/10 of a mile that was done the previous year. 2/10 of a mile on South Cross Rd, 9/10 of mile on North Cross Rd, 7/10 of a mile on Boyle Rd and Boyle Rd Ext, 4/10 of a mile on Center Rd. We also installed 600ft of sub drainage and a basin on Center Rd, 200ft of sub drainage and a basin on Barney Hale Rd, and repaired broken culverts on Main Rd.
Chapter 90 funds were used this year to help with the road sealing program, as well as being used on the Main Road reconstruction project engineering. The remaining funds were to be used should there be any cost overruns associated with the project.
The highway department saw a milder winter than in past years and was able to save the tax payers some money, that was turned back to the town for future uses. We never know how the winters are going to fall in New England so we need to fund them every year as though we should, however if we get an abnormal year as did last winter thats when we all benefit.
I would like to close this years report with a special thank you to the part time employees of the highway department for their dedication and support during the past year. I would also thank the residents for your understanding and assistance during the Main Rd construction period.
Respectfully submitted,
Mitchell L. LaClaire Sr., Superintendent
33 2006 ANNUAL REPORT GILL BOARD OF HEALTH
This year, along with its other duties the Board of Health has been 9+participating in training for Homeland Security and Health Alerts Network (HHAN). This training includes not only up to the minute information on food recalls, but also is a way for the State to contact the local Boards of Health on a 24 hours a day basis, seven days a week. As you can imagine this is quite an endeavor in towns such as ours that are served by a volunteer board and do not have a full-fledged health department.
Deb Roussel has been putting the food recalls on the town website: www. gillmass.org and follow the link for the recalls. We thank her for this wonderful service that she has provided.
This year we witnessed approximately 14 Perc tests for new construction. These along with Perc test for repairs have made this a busy year for the board.
We are now working on a contract basis with FRCOG for a part time professional health agent to augment our board’s knowledge. The board is working with Glen Ayers from FRCOG to look at updating our well regulations as well as reviewing many of our other regulations for needed updates and revisions.
Respectfully Submitted
Douglas Edson, Chair
Antique Truck - Kevin G. Lonie
34 BUILDING COMMITTEE
The Building Committee is responsible for the oversight of maintenance and repairs of our town buildings and grounds. The Highway Department continues to provide the manpower for maintenance for our town buildings (as weather permits), saving taxpayers thousands of dollars in outsourcing costs. We do contract out grounds maintenance, mowing and shoveling, since the Town does not have the manpower available within current staffing levels. The building committee performed an extensive review of the building, early in the year outlining upcoming maintenance needs on all buildings.
Town Hall – Committee designed and developed a plan that the Highway Department staff implemented, involving reorganization of office space at Town Hall. Removal of the remains of the kitchen on the main floor allowed for a larger office space for the Selectboard, preserving a kitchen galley for staff or attendees’ needs on the hallway wall entering the main floor. Reorganization involved moving cubicle walls and heavy file cabinets a few times before satisfaction was reached, providing a private office space for the Town Clerk and Collector Treasurer each. The committee urged action on painting the building and reglazing or replacement of windows. Wiring was updated to allow installation of PEG Access station by cable committee.
Garage Public Safety Complex –Extensive review of the building prompted estimates for replacement of floors in the Police and Fire Departments and laminate on countertops, but no action was taken due to lack of funds. Each department housed in the building continues to maintain their own section within the facility, including custodial responsibilities.
Riverside Municipal Building – RMB building as it is referred, continues to house the Gill Historical Commission and Riverside Water District, and lease two rooms to Four Winds School, a private middle school. The capital review in the beginning of the calendar year showed a need for reglazing windows, and the need for roof replacement and installation of snow guards. No work was performed in the building beyond usual annual maintenance.
Slate Library – Building committee assisted library trustees in the ongoing maintenance of the building, discussing a change in the ceiling back to the original grandeur and the possibility of installing a ceiling fan to better distribute heat, recommending replacing heating element in the water heater to return hot water in the building.
Respectfully submitted,
Philip W. Maddern, Chair
35
CABLE/PEG ACCESS COMMITTEE
The Committee, consisting of four members has continued to plan and purchase the equipment necessary to develop a bulletin board channel to broadcast community information on the Montague public access channel intermittently .
In the first year of the ten-year contract, the Town received $7, 060.98 from PEG Access funds generated by revenues received by Comcast from Gill users, much more than cable committee members anticipated!
Comcast has completed connection of the necessary access for the station to broadcast from Town Hall and the committee is hard at work to ensure the hardware and software is in place, with hopes to begin programming in early 2007.
Respectfully Submitted,
Leland Stevens, Chair Rick James Don Kruger Lynda Hodsdon Mayo
Barton Cove shoreline - Linda Marlowe
36 CEMETERY COMMISSION FY 06 Annual Report
The maps of North Cemetery and West Gill Cemetery were completed this summer by Roberge Associates of Greenfield, MA. Copies of the surveys will be available at the Historical Museum and the Town Hall for the convenience of those who contact the Town looking for ancestor’s gravesites. We have signed a second contract with Roberge Associates to map Center Cemetery. Each gravestone in the old section will be listed as in the other two town cemeteries.
The Commissioners have spoken with the Conservation Commission regarding the erosion on the north bank of Center Cemetery. Permits must be approved by the MA Department of Environmental Protection before any work can be started on this problem.
Thanks to the F.C. Sheriff’s Community Service crew for hauling branches and brush outside of North Cemetery so the Highway Dept. could pick it up. We thank Allan and Danny Flagg for clearing the hill at North Cemetery during the fall and winter months. Their work is greatly appreciated and will make the cemetery visible from Main Road all year long.
For many years William and Virginia Warner, ascendants of the Munn family, bring a new flag each year to be flown at North Cemetery. William recently passed away, but Virginia continues the tradition with her daughters. The Alvord/Bagnell families fly a flag in West Gill cemetery each year also.
Three lots were sold in 2006 and there was one burial in West Gill Cemetery. The Commissioners raised the price of one 8’ by 10’ burial lot to $375, which includes perpetual care.
Richard Bassett’s crew, with Fred Bidwell Jr., continues to take care of the maintenance of our cemeteries during the mowing season.
Respectfully submitted,
Cemetery Commissioners
37 CONSERVATION COMM ISSION 2006 Annual Report
The Gill Conservation Commission reviewed a variety of permitted activities during the past year regarding the Wetlands Protection Act, Rivers Protection Act, and the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act.
Activities included reviewing site develop plans to ensure wetland issues were appropriately addressed. This process involves coming to agreement on wetland area locations and developing/approving measures to protect them, minimize impacts, or developing mitigation measures. Development or other land distur- bance activities in the river front also triggered additional review and process on some projects.
The Massachusetts Natural Heritage Program updated their threatened and en- dangered (T&E) species maps for the Commonwealth late in 2006. These maps are available on the internet with a snazzy mapping tool. The updated maps for Gill include considerable expansion of habitat for T&E species, largely along stream corridors, extending into adjacent upland habitats. Activities that may disturb defined habitat for T&E species require review by the Natural Heritage Program. Concerns center around the type of activity proposed and the timing of that activity relative to the species, which may utilize certain habitats only on a seasonal basis. The maps do not identify to the species level for a variety of con- cerns (e.g., reptile collectors).
Respectfully submitted,
Ken Sprankle Conservation Commission member
Muskrat Love —Jeff LaCoy
38 COUNCIL ON AGING 2006 Annual Report
Gill and Montague Councils on Aging operate the Senior Center at 62 Fifth Street, in Turners Falls. The center is open between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for meals and activities.
The mission of the Council on Aging is to; provide referral, outreach, nutrition, and health services in cooperation with other town departments and area agencies, and to set policy for the operation of the Senior Center, to enhance the quality of life for seniors in the community by providing health, education, recreation programs and activities. Our building is no longer adequate to house all the programs offered. We look to other resources for some of our programs. We sincerely thank Our Lady of Peace Church and Congregational Church, for allowing us to use their facilities.
The Gill/Montague Senior Newsletter is published and sent 6 times a year to all seniors in Gill and Montague. Senior Publishing Co publishes the newsletter free. Postage is paid by donations and a grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Council on Aging events and activities are also posted in the Recorder, Goodlife, Montague Reporter and Montague TV.
There are approximately 1900 seniors in the 2 towns and in 2006 over 500 of them took part in one or more of our activities.
Transportation to the Senior Center is available through Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA).
Health and exercise programs are an important part of senior activities. This Senior Center joined with many others across the country to take part in National Health and Fitness Day. A special program was offered one day a week, in addition to our usual exercise programs. Funding for this and other exercise programs is made available through a grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and donations.
Foot Screenings are provided free through the EOEA grant. Elders pay a moderate fee for toenail clipping. About 25 – 30 seniors per month take advantage of this service. The Montague town nurse was available for blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol screening, the fourth Wednesday of every month, at the Center, Attendance averaged 18 – 20 seniors. A blood pressure machine is available at the center and many seniors monitor their own pressure.
The annual flu clinic was held at Congregational Church. This clinic is held under the supervision of the Town Nurse and implemented by student nurses from Greenfield Community College. Greenfield Community College Nursing Students also assisted in coordinating a Health Fair at Father Casey Hall. Dr.
39 Wadman provided vision and glaucoma screening to seniors free of charge. Other screenings included blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, skin and dental. Information on insurance, and health issues were available free to any senior. Exercise classes are available 6 times a week. Senior Aerobics classes are held three times a week at the center. Easy Aerobics is a program designed for the frailer seniors and is available twice a week. Tai Chi, a gentler exercise that helps improve muscle strength and balance is very popular once a week. These programs are free of charge, however participants are asked to make a donation to the Senior Center to support this and future programs.
Brown Bag food distribution program is available to seniors qualifying under Western Mass Food Bank eligibility guidelines. Over 1500 pounds of food was distributed to over a hundred elders from Montague and Gill each month for a small donation.
Seniors attended free educational programs offered by speakers from, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Harborside Healthcare Community Presentations, Franklin County Home Care Nutrition Programs, Western Mass Bar Association, SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders), Greenfield Community College Nursing Program, Clinical Support Options.
Other recreation programs included monthly bus trips from March through December. Six sessions of Painting Classes were offered in the fall and spring. Other programs included coffee breaks, holiday parties, pot- luck lunches, and card and Bingo games.
Congregate meals are available for a small donation five days a week at the Senior Center through the Franklin County Home Care meals program. Often time’s people come early to socialize with friends and play cards. Meals on Wheels distributed 22,749 dinners from this center. Over a hundred seniors attended a picnic with music and Bingo at Turners Falls Rod & Gun Club in July and an Ice Cream Social in August.
The Council on Aging recognized its volunteers at the annual Volunteer Lunch in the spring. Volunteers from the two towns worked over five hundred hours. All Council on Aging programs and activities are implemented and funded through in-kind services, donations and grants and many volunteers.
Gill and Montague seniors are fortunate to have an active TRIAD program. TRIAD is a local community policing initiative between seniors and the District Attorneys office. Programs are informative, entertaining, and provide an opportunity for socialization. Gill and Montague Police departments and the District Attorney’s Office sponsored 4 TRIAD events with meals, at a minimum charge, serving approximately 200 people at each meal and provide interesting and informative programs helpful to the older population. For the fifth year TRIAD has also sponsored a “seniors with Kids” fishing derby at Barton Cove. House numbers, “File of Life” and emergency information is available through TRIAD. We thank the Gill and Montague police, District
40 Attorneys office and Sheriff’s department for the services they provide the seniors in this community.
AARP provided individual tax preparation and consultation free to seniors. Many seniors or family members have asked and received information and referral on topics such as housing, health, heating, insurance and other needs of daily living.
We thank all the community agencies and individuals whose efforts have benefited the seniors in this town.
Juanita “Bunny” Caldwell Director
Gill Council on Aging Board Beverly Demars, Chair Harriet Tidd Joseph Naida James Greenleaf Audrey Ambo
French King Bridge, Gill - Rob Donner
41
CULTURAL COUNCIL
Each year the Gill Cultural Council receives an allocation of funds from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support cultural programs in town. This year we were awarded $4,000.00 for the fiscal year 2007.
In the fall of 2006, a total of 27 applicants were received for review. There were many worthwhile applicants and only ten were funded during this grant cycle. The Cultural Council members made their choices based on support to the school, library and also entertainment for community functions.
The selected applicants:
John Clarke Pressed Flower Artist $350.00 Steve Damon Summer Concerts $980.00 Friends of Gill Community Picnic $300.00 Gill Council on Aging Seniors Celebrate Their Heritage. $200.00 Gill Elementary School Cinda Ella Gill School Wide Play. $700.00 Henry Lappen Juggling Performance $400.00 Gregory Maichack Workshop: The Art of Pastel $395.00 Maureen Moore The Equinox, a literary journal. $100.00 Slate Library Library Spring Program $250.00 Slate Library Summer Family Program $350.00
The Cultural Council welcomes input and comments regarding cultural events in town. You are invited to submit applications or attend any of our review meetings.
Many thanks to all the committee members, for their time and input, in serving the cultural council.
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica A. LaChance, Chair
42
MEMORIAL COMMITTEE
The Memorial Day service was held on May 28th in the Gill Congregational Church, led by Gary Bourbeau. World War II veteran, Paul Seamans was on hand to present the message.
Services continued at the Veterans’ Monuments where Selectman Philip Maddern gave the welcoming address. Boy Scout Troop 6 participated in the Rose Ceremony. Also on hand were members of the Gill Fire Department serving as honor guard and Steve and Joyanna Damon played taps.
New flags and geraniums were distributed at each of the veteran’s grave sites.
We offer our thanks to all who have taken time to participate in this event in which we honor those who made the supreme sacrifice in service to our country.
The 2007 Memorial Day service will be held on Sunday, May 27th. It is our hope that you will take advantage of the privilege and accept the responsibility to take part in this important day.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Smith Douglas Smith Chester Kuzontkoski Gary Bourbeau
43
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
The Commission purchased preservation materials for clothing and for historical documents, and received a number of interesting donations, such as new family photos, additional Robert Darr Wert textiles and two dioramas of logging activities on the Connecticut River.
In the spring, the Commission hosted a visit from students in the Gill School to view pictures of Gill residents and school groups, historical photos of logging on the river, antique clothing and other items in the Gill Museum collection. We appreciate the help of Allan Adie during that busy day, on which three rooms of the Riverside school building were full of Gill children enjoying some moments in history.
At the fall Open House, the Commission hosted book talks by author Joe Parzych, talking and reading from his book “Jep’s Place” about growing up on a local farm. Many visitors came to the museum during the weekend, sharing photos and telling stories about life in the Gill School when it was still in the Riverside building.
During the year, members continued research on the history and architecture of the center of Gill. One member of the Commission represented the group on the committee that oversaw the Mariamante RFP process. A computer, scanner and table were purchased for cataloguing the museum inventory. The Commission will be able to copy photographs and documents to add to our museum collection and family files. We continue to work on opening the museum to the public more frequently, and we invite anyone with historical photos relating to Gill life to contact members of the Commission so the photos can be copied and returned to their owners. As always, we appreciate donations that have been made and continue to seek additional ways to support the preservation of historical material from Gill.
Respectfully submitted,
Cristin Carpenter, Chair
44
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Employee Representative David Hastings was voted Chairperson on the committee for the third consecutive year. Selectman Leland Stevens and Finance Committee member Raymond Garbiel were chosen as their committee’s representatives. Member at Large Kristy Tognarelli was joined by Tom Hodek, who came on board the committee in Sept. Administrative Assistant Debra Roussel serves as a non-voting member, as established in the bylaws.
Personnel Committee recommended the Selectboard adopt the IRS standard mileage rate of 44.5 cents per mile for reimbursements to town employees, when using personal vehicles on town business.
Review of a newly created job description, discussion with committee chairs responsible for oversight of the new position guided the grading recommendation for the clerical position approved by town meeting last year at a grade 3.
Policies are reviewed and discussed through out the year as required for clarity.
On behalf of the town employees, I wish to thank all the committee members for their time and effort in serving on this board.
Respectfully Submitted,
David W. Hastings, Chair
Main Road - Linda Marlowe 45 RECREATION COMMITTEE 2006 Annual Report
The Gill Recreation Department has had another great year. Each year we try to do a little more in the community and we are always looking for new ideas. We are very pleased to announce that we now have a web page available to provide information on all of our events. You can find us at www.gillmass. org/recreation.html.
Here is a brief summary of some of the things the Recreation Committee does throughout the year.
Our Basketball Program provides for three teams and a skills group for Kindergarten and 1st graders. Rose Levasseur is leading the K-1 skills group with help from parent volunteers. The 2 nd –4th grade coed team is coached by Fred Bezio and Steve Baskowski with assistance from Steve Streibel. The 5 th & 6 th grade girls team is coached by Genie Woods, Ed Dolhenty and Alan Vaughn and the 5 th & 6 th grade boys team is coached by Nathan Duda & Jim Poulson. Steve Streibel is also at most of the games and practices lending a helping hand. We would like to thank Rafaela Calicchio and Tom Pratt from NMH for allowing us the use of the Basketball facilities to hold all of our practices. The Gill community is very grateful for all the generous and helpful people from NMH for allowing us the use of your facilities for our recreational use year after year. Thank You!
Every winter, usually during February school vacation we hold our annual Wacky Sliding Party at Oak Ridge Golf Course. This is an event for the whole family. We encourage families to create their own homemade “wacky sleds” or just bring a regular sled or snowboard and enjoy an afternoon of sledding. The Gill Fire Dept. comes with their rescue truck to warm people up and they in case of an emergency. We provide small prizes and certificates for the fastest, most creative and wackiest sleds. Unfortunately mother nature was not on our side this year and we had to cancel due to lack of snow.
Baseball season which begins in April and we had a record number of kids participate this year, 75 in all.! Our teams consisted of a Tee Ball team for 4 & 5 year olds and our first year with Tee Ball. It was very well received and we will try to offer this again next year if there are enough children interested. We
46 had two farm teams this year, for children in Kindergarten and first grade in addition to a Pee Wee Team, Youth Team and a Softball Team. Congratulations to the Gill youth boys for their Championship season and to Gill Pee-Wee boys for their Co-West Divisional Championship!. On July 8 th we held our annual end of the season potluck gathering at the Gill School. We had beautiful weather, lots of yummy food and a competitive game of ball with the players versus the parents. The children were awarded certificates & medallions and the Youth team received their Championship plaques. A wonderful end to another fantastic season. We are so thankful for all of the parent volunteers that help coach these teams. I would like to extend a huge Thank You for dedicating their time and energy to teach these kids. Thank You to Roger Parenteau, Nathan Duda & Jeff Gibson from the Youth team, Greg Leeds, Charlie Tierney, Liz Gardner and many other parents from the Pee Wee team, Rolie Weld and David Kozma from the Girls softball team, Charlie Malcolm, Mark Almeida, Brian Kucenski, Paul & Kristi Nicolson, Alan Vaughn and so many other parent volunteers from both of the farm teams and Nathan Duda & Gary Parzych from the Tee Ball team, Tom Bergeron for his umpiring skills behind the plate and Brandon Rawson for umpiring the bases.
Summer Recreation Camp was held at the Gill Elementary School. This year’s program ran for six weeks for kids ages 5-12. We offered a choice of mornings, afternoons, or an all day program. On the Saturday after the last day of camp, we had our Summer Fun Day. We had a bounce house, homemade water slide (with help from the Gill fire Dept. and their water truck), hot dogs, cotton candy and snow cones. We had beautiful weather and a good time was had by all.
We had 105 Gill residents participate in our annual Red Sox outing on Two Travel Kuz buses. We were originally scheduled to go on Mothers Day, but the game got rained out. On August 28 th we watched the Red Sox beat the Texas Rangers. Go Red Sox!!!
Steve Streibel led the way for our soccer enthusiasts again this year. We also had Brian Bodell and Duncan Elliot working with Steve this year coaching our 5th & 6 th grade team. We divided the 2 nd –4th graders into two teams this year Gill 1 coached by Charlie Malcolm and Jim Poulson and Gill 2 coached by Nate Duda and Ted Kenyon. Taking the torch from Greg Leeds this year, Jim Burstein and players from the very talented NMH varsity soccer team coached the next generation of Gillamonsters, our in-house league of pre-K, K and 1 st
47 graders. Thank you everyone! On November 4 th the neighboring town of Bernardston hosted the annual soccer jamboree. Each of our travel teams played six games against neighboring towns. On Saturday November 11 th we had our end of the season gathering at the NMH Forslund Gym. All of the players received a certificate and medallion for participation. After the awards were distributed there was a friendly game of indoor soccer with the parents and coaches versus the players.
We are also very pleased to be able to work with NMH to provide swimming and ice skating on Sunday afternoons throughout the winter. This is a great way to enjoy some quality family time and expel some energy during the winter months.
We would like to again thank all of the generous people who volunteer their time and show their support of our Recreation Department.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nathan Duda, Rec. Chair Rose Levasseur, Treasurer John Duda Jr. Candy Vaughn Kim Malcolm
48 Gate on Flagg’s Farm, Main Road - Linda Marlowe
49 PLANNING BOARD Annual Report 2006
As all of us living in Gill have a lot to be proud of . . . the beautiful open spaces and pride in community are just a few great things that make our town a wonderful place to call home.
Every person has their own ideas and opinions about the character of our town. What are appropriate land uses, how much business will impact our tax base and what is the vision for our town as we move into the future. Zoning bylaws should address these issues.
The Town was successful in a smart growth grant application through the MA Office of Housing and Development intended to assist communities in zoning initiatives. With the guidance of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) Planning Department, the Planning Board held public meetings, encouraged discussion and public review. After months of meetings, public hearings and presentations, the final draft was approved by Town Meeting in late December.
The Planning Board will now have five members able to devote their time and effort to planning to ensure that our town continues to be the town that we all want to live and/or work. The Zoning Board of Appeals takes over the responsibility of special permitting, site plan review in addition to variances.
We wanted to thank the Town for their support and approval of a part-time (twelve hours a month) paid clerical position to assist the Planning, Zoning Board and the Board of Health. It certainly will help our very volunteer members ensure legal requirements are processed in a consistent, timely manner as they come into the Town Hall.
Doug Smith, Chair Gill Planning Board
50 SLATE MEMORIAL LIBRARY Annual Report 2006
This year’s summer reading program “What’s Buzzing at Your Library?!” kept upwards of 40 children and their families busy from June into August with science and art related workshops. Some highlights of the summer include musician MaryJo Maichaks interactive program of song and storytelling. Rae Griffiths of Teaching Creatures with her educational traveling insect zoo and local favorites Roger Ticknell and Davis Bates performing a children’s concert on the front lawn. A special thank you to local scientist, Kim Sprankle for her workshop on butterflies. Thanks as well to the many parents who helped out at the summer reading kick-off party and who make this program possible through volunteer efforts and donations.
This biggest change at Slate library this year has been Lissa Greenough’s resignation as library director. During her 10 years in this position she has created a wonderful, welcoming environment for families and community members, and has greatly improved the library’s collections. She is greatly missed. After working alongside Lissa as assistant librarian for several years, I have now taken on the role of director and am eagerly meeting the challenges the library provides. Kim Sprankle has become assistant librarian.
Kim continues to offer her popular knitting workshop on the first and third Thursday of every month starting at 7 pm. Sessions are great fun and well attended. Kim is extremely knowledgeable about knitting and eager to help novice knitters get started. All levels are encouraged to come!
Both Kim and I host the new preschool “Story hour at Slate” on Tuesday mornings at 10 am. This provides a fun-filled hour of stories, a healthy snack and engaging art project, as well as a place for parents of little ones to meet and socialize on a regular basis. This program is funded in large part by the Community Partnership for Children, and we thank them for their support in making this resource available for families in Gill.
Other exciting happenings at Slate since my tenure began this past September include a Mexican Sugar Skull workshop in conjunction with both Halloween and the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead. We also held a rousing winter solstice celebration in December with storyteller Rona Leventhal, as well as a six-week puppet making workshop begun in February for elementary-aged children.
Our collection continues to grow, and we have many new acquisitions in our ever- expanding DVD collection. We thank the Logan family of Main Rd. for their recent donation of an Imac computer, which allows patrons another venue for word processing. Many thanks should also go out to trustees Ellen Johnson, Sue Kramer and Anne Perry for all their time and effort in support and maintenance of the library.
Library hours are Mondays 2-6 p.m., Thursdays 2-8 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p. m. For information on programs or resources, please call Jocelyn at 863-2591.
Respectfully submitted,
Jocelyn Castro-Santos, Library Director
51 TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
The Town of Gill is fortunate to continue to benefit from the talent and expertise of volunteers the likes of Steve Loomer and Les Berry from the Northfield Mount Hermon Technology Department and Don Kruger and his partner Lynn Kruger of Starstruck Design, a web design and development company in Gill.
Steve and Les are always available by telephone and when needed, show up at the Town Hall Staff for troubleshooting. Don provide the hosting for the Gill website and is always only a phone call or email away, ready to resolve email issues and support changes to the website. Lynn provides the pdf versions of the Gill newsletter for posting and supports the design of the website. Police Sergeant Chris Redmond provides the technical support for the Safety Complex network computers, equipment and users.
The website www.gillmass.org is updated by the Administrative Assistant. A separate page for Recreation was added this year and there are plans to add space for the Library for posting their news as well. A calendar option is continually being refined and is utilized for posting of meetings and public hearing. We hope the site continues to serve the residents of Gill, as we strive to widen access and information for you.
The committee met on several occasions for planning purposes and in accordance with a replacement schedule for computer equipment town wide, were able to replace two computers, one each for the Town Clerk and Highway Department in addition to purchase of an external hard drive for backup purposes with the funds appropriated. One of the computers was made available downstairs for use by volunteer boards, however the other was declared surplus and recycled.
The committee is investigating backup of documents off-site, on a secure server out on the web, which is a challenge with our basic network configurations at Town Hall and the Safety Complex. We also advocate the use of Open Document Format for Office Applications, which allows interoperability with Microsoft products, but is available for free by download and avoids exorbitant purchase and licensing costs.
Again, many thanks to Sergeant Redmond, graphic designers Don Kruger and Lynn Nichols of Startstruck Design and NMH IT Director Steve Loomer and Operations Manager Les Berry for the time and talent they make available AT NO COST. A special thanks to Northfield Mount Hermon for recognizing the value of this project and lending their support; it is truly invaluable.
Respectfully,
Debra A. Roussel, Administrative Assistant
52 DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN’S SERVICES Central Franklin County District
Dear Veterans’ and Citizens of Gill:
This past year was another good year for Veteran-Related Legislation. Here is a list of some of those bills.
The Edward G. Connolly Massachusetts Military Enhance Relief Individual Tax Plan. This expanded property tax and motor vehicle excise exemptions avail- able to veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Veterans Property Tax Exemption Effective beginning in FY 07
22 (a) Veterans with a minimum of 10% service connected disability $ 400 22 (b) Veterans awarded purple heart $ 400 22(d) Spouses and surviving spouses of Clause 22(a)-(c) Veterans $ 400 22 (e) Gold star parents $ 400 22 (f) Surviving spouses of World War 1 service members $ 400 22 A Veterans who lost one hand, foot or eye or awarded certain service medal $ 750 22B Veterans who lost two hands, feet or eyes. $ 1250 22C Veterans with 100% disability and specially adapted housing $ 1500 22D Surviving spouses of certain members or guardsmen who died from injury or disease due to being in combat zone, or who are missing in action and presumed dead due to combat. Full-1st five years of exemption- Full up to $2500 after. 22E Veterans with 100% disability and who are unable to work. $1000 Paraplegic Veterans FULL Exemption.
Please contact you local Board of Assessors for more information and for the Application for Tax Exemption for Veterans .
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is still offering the Two Thousand Dollars Annuity (2,000.00) for 100% service connected disabled veterans, parents of a son or daughter whose death occurred as a result of injury sustained or disease contracted during active service in time of war, insurrection, or combat, and to a spouse whose husband or wife died as a result of injury sustained or disease contracted during active service in time of war, insurrection or combat.
Sincerely,
Leo J. Parent, Jr., Director
53
ANNUAL REPORT FRED WELLS TRUST
Funds available for the fiscal year 2006/07 are $180,831 (which includes un- used scholarship money from 2004/05 that was reallocated to the scholarship fund).
Education: The trustees received 309 applications for education scholarships and approved 280 students to receive $148,250. This amount includes the two $1,000 scholarships in honor of Ralph & Hilda Haskins. The trustees spent many hours on the selection process to ensure that as many students as possible could receive scholar- ship aid.
Health: Five (5) health programs were approved totaling $22,000.
Community Health Center of Franklin County $6,000 Hospice of Franklin County 6,000 NELCWIT 5,000 Pastoral Counseling Center 2,500 Tripp Memorial Foundation 2,500
Agriculture: An amount of $9,042 was allowed by the Trustees for payment:
Franklin County Agriculture Fair $5,923 Heath Agricultural Fair 2,333 Shelburne Grange Fair 786
Respectfully Submitted,
Frank J. Cutting, Gill Representative to the Trust
54
2006 Annual Report
The Franklin Regional Council of Governments is pleased to submit this annual report for calendar year 2006. As the regional planning agency and governmental membership organization serving the twenty-six towns of Franklin County, we provide a broad array of planning, advocacy, and community services, as well as assessment-based programs serving municipal needs. The FRCOG and the region accomplished an enormous amount in 2006. Here is a look back through numbers.
After 12 years of planning and advocacy on the part of the FRCOG and the Route 2 Task Force, the $8 million Erving Papermill Realignment project on Route 2 opened, improving the safety and efficiency of all highway users.
After 15 years of advocacy, planning, design and cobbling together financial resources, another 3 miles of off-road facilities of the Franklin County Bikeway will open in Montague in the spring of 2007, complimenting the path in Greenfield that opened last year.
Through the Smart Growth Technical Assistance Program, the FRCOG provided 8 towns with zoning revisions and other planning technical assistance.
The Community Coalition for Teens has been working with schools, youth agencies and groups to reduce teen alcohol and tobacco use and abuse. A 3- year comparison of use as reported by teens in the annual Teen Health Survey shows a 27% reduction in alcohol use and a 41% reduction in marijuana use .
The FRCOG has helped Boards of Health to create 9 Emergency Dispensing Sites throughout the county that will be used in times of emergency and for non-emergency flu and related clinics. Over 400 people were served during EDS clinics this year.
The Franklin County Regional Emergency Planning Committees is one of only 3 emergency planning committees in the state to have successfully submitted a regional hazardous materials response plan and receive full certification, fulfilling a federal obligation for all 26 Franklin County towns.
Over the last 2 years, the FRCOG has managed and overseen the expenditure of more than $7 million of Homeland Security federal funding on behalf of all of western Massachusetts.
55 With the help of the FRCOG and many others, a new $2.7 million emergency communication system has been constructed in Franklin County. The system allows all local police, fire and EMS to communicate on multiple channels using a new 450 MgHz frequency.
We have helped more than 18 Franklin County communities create Continuity of Operations Plans, which identify essential municipal services and an operations plan in times of emergency or pandemic.
The FRCOG Brownfields Program conducted environmental site assessment work on 7 properties in 6 Franklin County towns , providing over $50,000 of professional engineering services .
The Greater Franklin County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Program was awarded a federal Economic Development District Partnership Grant for FY2007 totaling $52,000 to support regional initiatives and local technical assistance .
The Municipal Accounting Program now serves 5 Franklin County towns and 1 Hampshire County town . The program has transferred all participating towns to the FRCOG’s new accounting software program via a licensing agreement and 24-7 remote access.
The Cooperative Purchasing Program completed 189 bids for highway materials totaling over $6.4 million in products and services for 18 Franklin County communities and 1 Hampshire County community.
The Franklin County Cooperative Inspection Program provided building, plumbing, and electrical inspection services to 17 towns. The FCCIP issued a total of 1008 building permits, 591 wiring permits and 552 plumbing permits totaling $304,883 in permit fees for participating towns.
The Engineering Program worked on 45 projects in 16 towns last year.
In fiscal year 2007 the FRCOG total budget is estimated at $9,203,581 , of which $5,915430 was spent on capital projects (primarily in Homeland Security funding), leaving a net operating budget of $3,288,151 that is being used to provide services to the region and all Franklin County towns.
The Franklin Regional Council of Governments is committed to providing the best possible service to its member towns and to the region. For additional details about FRCOG programs, projects, and services please contact us for our full 2006 Annual Report at 413-744-3167 ext. 100 or visit us at www. frcog.org.
Linda Dunlavy, Executive Director
56
Gill way captured by Rosa L. Poon, Oakland, CA
57 2006 REPORT FRANKLIN COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
To the Residents of the Solid Waste District:
The Solid Waste District was formed in 1989 to help Franklin County towns manage all aspects of their solid waste – recyclables, organics, hazardous waste, wastewater treatment sludge, and trash. We continue to provide assistance to the twenty-one member towns through administrative support, professional consultation, trainings, and outreach to residents and businesses.
The Solid Waste District continued to provide services to residents, businesses, schools, and municipal offices. We implemented an educational campaign to help residents understand what plastics can and cannot be recycled. Plastics are the leading contamination problem at the recycling facility. We also conducted another collection for unwanted medications. There is growing evidence that medications are polluting drinking water and groundwater and should not be flushed down the toilet. It’s best not to throw them in the trash either. The District collects unwanted medications at no cost. We also produced educational information on ways to get rid of junk autos. This information is posted on our website or you can get a hard copy flier by calling the office (contact information is below).
The District regularly makes instructional presentations to county schools. Worm composting and paper making are two popular presentations. We work with school staff to ensure recycling programs are active and effective. The District also provides hands-on assistance to businesses and institutions that want to recycle or compost their waste.
Through a grant from the MA Department of Environmental Protection, we purchased weather-resistant recycling containers for annual fairs and special events. We found that attendees did an excellent job of sorting their waste into the proper container. Look for these new recycling bins at your town’s special event in 2007.
In 2006, District towns recycled approximately 2,500 tons of paper and 1,100 tons of mixed containers. By diverting a total of 3,600 tons of recyclables from landfills and incineration, District towns collectively saved over $240,000 in disposal costs.
The District held its annual household hazardous waste collection in September. On-line registration is increasingly popular. Almost 400 residents participated at the three regional sites. More than 1,000 gallons of motor oil was collected! The next hazardous waste collection will be held on September
58 8, 2007. The annual “Clean Sweep” bulky waste collection was held in October. There were almost 300 participants at three regional sites. We collected 40 tons of appliances, scrap metal, bulky items, electronics, tires, and propane tanks!
If you have questions about the District and its programs, call us at 772- 2438; visit our website at www.franklincountywastedistrict.org; or visit us at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield.
Jan Ameen - Executive Director Nathaniel L’Etoile, Northfield - Vice-Chair Bob Dean, Buckland - Chair Becky Jurek, Bernardston - Treasurer
59
2006 ANNUAL REPORT FRANKLIN COUNTY COOPERATIVE INSPECTION PROGRAM
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Fiscal Year 2006, which followed two record setting years, showed some decline in construction activity. The number of dwelling unit permits issued (75) was the lowest since 1998; however, the total number of building permits issued (1008) has remained steady. Fees collected also were lower than the two previous years, but relatively steady at $189,583.
Total number of dwelling units increased only in Charlemont and Gill; all other towns were down or remained the same. Total number o permits issued increased for the towns of Conway, Erving, Leverett, Leyden, Shelburne, and Whately.
The following towns have permit caps on the number of new dwelling units allowed in each year.
Erving 12 units Heath 6 units Leverett 10 units Shutesbury 8 units Whately 10 units
There were a significant number of projects “caught” this year without building permits in all member towns. Please encourage everyone to obtain permits and contact this office if you don’t see a permit card posted at the site.
Respectfully
James D. Hawkins, Building Commissioner
60
2006 ANNUAL REPORT FRANKLIN COUNTY COOPERATIVE INSPECTION PROGRAM
ELECTRICAL PROGRAM
The enclosed report is for Fiscal Year 2006 and reflects Wiring permits and fee activity for all member towns. For more information on activity in your town, please contact the office. A review of the number of permits and fees collected each fiscal year for the last 5 years shows the following:
FY 2002 607 43,418.00 2003 597 44,961.00 2004 629 51,460.00 2005 570 54,589.00 2006 591 62,267.00
We had another busy year for inspections. I would like to take this opportunity to let you know that all electrical work is to be done by a Massachusetts Licensed Electrician. A permit is required for most work. You have a right to ask to see an electrician’s license. Work done on any building may not be covered by your insurance if it is not inspected by this office. If you have any questions I can be reached during normal office hours on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 7AM-9AM at 772-2026, ext 126 or by email at [email protected] . You will find permits, fee schedules, and helpful information on our web site at: www.fccip.org.
Sincerely,
James Slowinski, Electrical Inspector
61 2006 COOPERATIVE INSPECTION PROGRAM COOPERATIVE INSPECTION PROGRAM
PLUMBING/GAS PROGRAM
The enclosed report is for Fiscal Year 2006 and reflects Plumbing/Gas permits and fee activity for all member towns. For more information on activity in your town, please contact the office. A review of the number of permits and fees collected each fiscal year for the last 5 years shows the following:
FY2002 631 36,357.00 2003 589 43,580.00 2004 574 44,436.00 2005 627 54,968.00 2006 552 53,033.00
I would like to take this opportunity to remind town residents that plumbing permits are required for installation and repairs with the following exception, “ A permit is not required for plumbing involving the repair of leaks in a faucet, valve, or other working part of a plumbing fixture, or the clearance of a stoppage ”. Permits shall only be issued to licensed plumbers. I would also like to welcome Rowe into our program. I look forward to serving you and welcome any questions you might have. You can contact me during office hours on Tuesday & Thursday mornings 7a.m.-9a.m. at 772-2026, ext. 125 or email me at [email protected] . You will find permits, fee schedules, and helpful information on our web site at www.fccip.org .
Once again, I would like to extend my appreciation to all town officials for your cooperation and assistance during the past year.
Sincerely,
Andrew French, Plumb/Gas Inspector
62 FRANKLIN COUNTY (LEPC) Local Emergency Planning Committee 2006 Report to Our Member Communities
The Franklin County LEPC was formed to enhance cooperative regional emergency planning, and address the Federal SARA Title III requirement that all communities have active Local Emergency Planning Committees, procedures to deal with hazardous materials emergencies, meet right-to-know requirements, and encourage community awareness. With the leadership and administrative support of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) all 26 Franklin County towns opted into a regional effort beginning in the year 2000.
Early on the Committee elected an “all hazards” approach to emergency planning which not only addresses our responsibility for aiding towns in planning for “haz mat” emergencies but also other natural, technological, and man-made events that call for a similar inter-town, inter-disciplinary response.
We are pleased to report that during 2006 the new Regional Emergency Planning Committee (REPC) has become a fully certified REPC. In order to achieve this status the Committee needed to compile a Hazardous Materials Emergency Plan, conduct regular meetings, provide training and exercices, and complete other certification criteria as required by the State Emergency Response Commission. We are the largest of the 17 REPCs in the Commonwealth.
Your REPC membership currently* consists of the following individuals who represent fourteen disciplines: Fire Service: Walter Tibbits (Franklin County Fire Chiefs) Law Enforcement: Gary Sibilia (Franklin County Police Chiefs) Emergency Medical Services: Dave Hansen (Franklin County EMS) Board of Health: Dave Chichester/Gina McNeeley (Mohawk Area Public Health Coalition) Hospitals: Fred Callahan (Franklin Medical Center) Transportation: Tina Cote (Franklin Regional Transit Authority) Media: George Claxton (The Recorder) Emergency Management: John Bartus (Town of Orange) Public Works: Open Community Groups: Dawn Josefski (Franklin County CERT Team) Environmental: John Bourcier (MA Department of Environmental Protection) Elected Officials: Mark Gilmore (Town of Deerfield) Industry: Jim Field (University of Massachusetts) Schools: New Position
63 In addition each of the member communities has designated an Emergency Response Coordinator who is the contact between the REPC and their town: * Membership shown is as of 12/31/2006 Ashfield: Doug Field; Bernardston: Peter Shedd; Buckland: Milton Rock III; Charlemont: Charles Bellows; Colrain: Larry Dumas; Conway: Jeff McFarland; Deerfield: Mark Gilmore; Erving: Mitchell LaClaire; Gill: Jason Edson; Greenfield: Michael Winn; Hawley: Greg Cox; Heath: Tim Lively; Leverett: Jim Field; Leyden: Gilda Galvis; Monroe: David Nash; Montague: Bob Escott; New Salem: Thomas Reidy; Northfield: Gary Sibilia; Orange: Dennis Annear; Rowe: Edwin May; Shelburne: Angus Dun III; Shutesbury: Walter Tibbits; Sunderland: Robert Ahearn; Warwick: Donald Matthews; Wendell: Everett Ricketts; Whately: Lynn Sibley
Special representatives include: Bill Allen representing the Franklin County Planning Board and Raymond Godin the Chair of the Western Region Homeland Security Council.
During 2006 your REPC worked on the following activities:
• Obtained grant funding for and conducted four (4) hazardous materials table-top exercises in Sunderland, Charlemont, Erving, and Northfield. • Conducted training classes for responders on the National Incident Management System and the Incident Command System in Gill, Erving, Hawley, Leverett, Orange, and Shelburne. • Completed the first Regional Hazardous Materials Emergency Plan and an Action Guide that were accepted by the 26 member Towns and the Commonwealth’s State Emergency Response Commission. • Conducted four quarterly board meetings of the full LEPC. • Aided in the development of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) programs in the county. • Worked with the FRCOG staff in providing training on statewide Pictometry imaging software and the regional emergency resource database. • Worked in cooperation with the FRCOG and FCSWMD on developing a disaster Debris Management plan and obtaining additional grant funding for this effort. • Collected and recorded Tier II Hazardous Materials data from 57 sites in Franklin County. • Sent representation to meetings of the Franklin County emergency radio oversight committee. • Contributed to the Western Region Homeland Security Council plan development and implementation.
Thank you to all who contributed to this effort, including the support of Ben Wood, Michael Pattavina, Lisa White and everyone at the FRCOG. John Taylor (Shelburne), Chair Mark Gilmore (Deerfield), Vice Chair Lynn Sibley (Whately), Secretary Patricia Auchard (Greenfield), Treasurer John Bartus (Orange), Exec Comm Jim Field (Leverett), Exec Comm
64 FRANKLIN COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOL 2006 Annual Report to Towns
We submit this annual report for 2006 on behalf of the Franklin County Technical School District and its administration, faculty, staff and students.
Total enrollment as of October 1, 2006 was 526 students with town breakouts as follows:
Bernardston 26 Erving 15 Montague 7 Sunderland 12 Buckland 17 Gill 8 New Salem 9 Warwick 10 Colrain 24 Greenfield131 Northfield 26 Wendell 9 Conway 10 Heath 9 Orange 66 Whately 7 Deerfield 15 Leyden 5 Shelburne 8 Non-District 48
Franklin County Technical School awarded 108 diplomas to our seniors in June of 2006. This marked the fourth year that Massachusetts students were required to pass the MCAS in order to receive a high school diploma. Once again our students were very successful in meeting this high academic standard. The graduates also earned their vocational certificate along with their diploma. 42% of our graduates planned to go on to either a two or four year college, 44% joined the area work force, 11% had unknown plans and 4% went on to a post secondary trade/technical school. We are proud of the accomplishments of the Class of 2006.
All schools in the Commonwealth are required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) to meet or exceed specific student performance standards in English/language arts and mathematics. The Franklin County Technical School is proud to note that it met these adequate yearly progress determinations for the 2005 – 2006 school year while at the same time making substantial progress toward meeting a similar set of state mandated standards for our vocational programs.
During the 2006 school year, the students from various vocational programs performed an estimated $56,000 worth of service projects benefiting the city and various towns of Franklin County and we plan to continue supplying our constituent towns with these services as they offer the ideal learning laboratory for our students. Students from many shop areas also routinely assist our building maintenance department, supplying services that would otherwise be contracted to outside agencies.
We submitted our “Two Year Progress Report” to the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in the early Fall and have just heard, as this report was being written, that the review was satisfactory in all areas. This once again attests to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and administration and the quality programs we offer with the support of our member towns.
65 We continue to work with Greenfield Community College to offer evening courses at Franklin County Technical School, as well as a program that is offered after our normal school hours that enables our seniors to experience the college environment first hand while obtaining college credits.
We also continue to work with Franklin County businesses, the Regional Employment Board and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce to make sure that our graduates are part of the Economic Development for Franklin County.
We thank each and every citizen of Franklin County for your continued support.
Respectfully submitted,
Mr. Richard J. Kuklewicz, School Committee Chairman Mr. Richard K. Lane, Superintendent
66 ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2005 - 2006 GILL-MONTAGUE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE TERM EXPIRTION (May)
Mary Kociela, Chair 2007 Valeria Smith, Vice-Chair 2009 Deb Bourbeau 2009 Kristin Boyle 2009 Ted Castro-Santos 2008 Richard Colton 2007 Sue Henry 2007 Terry Lapachinski 2008 Mike Langknecht 2008
GILL-MONTAGUE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT The Gill-Montague Regional School District promotes intellectual, ethical, and social growth within a dynamic educational community in order to develop knowledgeable, productive, and caring citizens.
The enrollment in the district was 1,223 students in the six schools, with 22 students served in out-of-district special education placements. In the previous year 1,225 students were enrolled in the six schools and 22 students went to out- of-district special education placements. Although the total population of students has remained the same, the number of students leaving the district on school choice increased significantly in this year, after also remaining stable for two years. This was somewhat surprising; and, upon analysis, we found that several of the students who are now counted in the out of district choice numbers are children of staff members of the Northfield-Mount Hermon School. The school’s campus consolidation into Gill resulted in students who were continuing to attend the Pioneer Regional School District when they lived in Northfield, now being counted as out-of-district choice students upon moving to Gill. This phenomenon caused significant increases in the Gill-Montague Regional School District’s expenses.
The dedication of administrators, teachers and staff contributed to quality educational programs in each school, supplemented by grants from many sources, including support for arts programs by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and support for after school programs by the 21 st Century Learning Centers federal grant. The district goal of keeping class sizes small (20-25) in the elementary grades was achieved without hiring additional classroom teachers. As in the previous year, the district continued the practice of assigning Title I Reading Support teachers to classrooms to allay the hiring of additional teachers.
67 Organizational Systems Update The renovation project at the middle school and high school complex, having beenconcluded in 2004-2005, was the subject of a School Building Assistance audit. The audit was completed in the summer of 2006, and the State Treasurer, Timothy Cahill, came to the new building in August of 2006 to personally deliver the check for 90% reimbursement of costs, in the amount of $29,283,608. This early completion and pay-off saved the towns of Montague and Gill substantial interest expense on the debt incurred for the project, and allowed the district to achieve a $32 million major renovation at a cost to the towns of $2,716,362.
The three bargaining units whose contracts expired in 2005, successfully completed negotiations with the school committee, resulting in three year contracts for the custodial and maintenance workers, secretarial and paraprofessionals and food service employees. The school committee and the Gill-Montague Teachers Association continued the tradition of negotiating collaboratively, using a modified Win-Win bargaining method known as Interest- Based Bargaining (IBB). Additionally, this year, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, representing custodial and maintenance workers also participated in Interest-based Bargaining. All members of the negotiating teams were trained in this method, and the cost of a facilitator was shared by the parties.
Financial Information In December of 2005, the process of developing the FY2007 budget began with each school’s budget being reviewed by the Superintendent’s administrative team. Building-based School Community Councils have input to the process through consultation with their principal. A Fiscal Collaboration/Budget Subcommittee was established in 2003-2004, and has continued in each subsequent year. This committee is made up of representatives of town finance committees, boards of selectman and school committee members. Budget deliberations were shared between the towns and the school. These meetings were open to the public and included Town Meeting Reps from Montague and parents and staff.
The FY2007 budget went through many challenging discussions, and a Proposition 2 1/2 over-ride vote was put forward in the amount of $600,000 in the Town of Montague in June of 2006. The over-ride failed, and further difficult discussions ensued, resulting in $400,000 in reductions to the FY2007 budget. The State Legislature did not pass the State Budget until very late in June, and therefore, the actual revenue amounts were not known until then. Eventually, the FY2007 budget was adopted in July of 2006. The final budget for the school district included the reduction of five teaching positions and two paraprofessional positions, with some increases in state aid, and some decreases on the school district side due to fewer students. The amount approved on July 12, 2006 was $16,555,276, with $1,508,451 in debt expenses, representing a 5.5% increase in the operating and maintenance budget for FY2007.
A positive outcome of the budget discussions was the approval by both towns of one-time expenses for the purchase of a new K-8 math program, the expansion to all schools of the K-6 reading program, and two technology items.
68 Elementary Buildings and Configuration The Elementary Study Group (ESG) was published in May of 2005. Further work was done over the summer of 2005 by Michael Langknecht, Co-Chair of the ESG\ and the Superintendent, to outline the cost effectiveness and educational values for three models that were ranked highly by members of the ESG. The models were: The One School Full Consolidation Model; The Two School or Consolidation by Town Model, and the Three School or Optimal Equity Model. The information on these models was included in a publication that also included summaries of the various subcommittees of the ESG. This report formed the basis of the next step of the process, which was to further identify consolidation models for the public to comment on in public forums in the fall of 2006. The configuration of elementary education was discussed as well, including the proposal for a longer grade span of Kindergarten through grade 5 or 6.
Student Achievement and Accountability Teachers have focused on the analysis of the test items on the MCAS each year, and in 2005-2006, Whole-Faculty Study Groups were instituted district-wide to facilitate collaborative professional development. Teachers used in-service days to meet in small study groups to review the data from the MCAS and other assessments, and to address essential questions related to improving student achievement. Action plans were developed in each study group outlining specific measurable outcomes, and new strategies were researched and implemented in classrooms. The student work that resulted from this action was then brought back into the study group for review and discussion to determine whether students understand and know the standards-based lessons that teachers were presenting. The work that is being done in study groups provides teachers with on-going dialogue with each other, with administrators, and with outside resource people, in a process of Plan-Act-Reflect that builds a culture of continuous improvement across the district.
MCAS scores at Turners Falls High School were exemplary in Grade 10 in FY2005. The students scored above the state average in both English Language Arts and Mathematics. While each class is different, the positive performance is the result of a focus on providing students the preparation in all subjects needed for success as they move along the continuum from Kindergarten to grade 12. Teachers engaged in item analysis and applied their research to the instruction in content and process in their classrooms.
Gill-Montague prepared for the Educational Quality and Accountability (EQA) audit in the summer and fall of 2005, and in December of 2005, a visiting team arrived to perform the on-site review of documents and procedures that exemplify organizational systems that are in place to support the district in providing a quality education for all students. This audit included interviews with all staff in the district and with town officials and the school committee. Thanks to all those who participated in this review. The report was issued in the spring of 2006, and the district was tentatively rated as being in need of improvement. The Superintendent responded to several of the criteria ratings to provide further information, and at the close of the fiscal year, there was no decision made at the
69 state level in regards to the final status. In most of the standards, the district had made progress in the years under review of 2002-2005, and continued to make progress in addressing specific items related to curriculum in 2005-2006.
Due to faltering MCAS scores at the middle school in mathematics at the 8 th grade level, the district also went through a fact-finding visit at the same time as the EQA. The fact-finding team visited classes at the middle school, and followed their visit with a written report. The report pointed to specific areas needing improvement at the middle school, and a leadership team was formed to design an action plan. The focus of the plan is professional development for teachers in standards-based teaching and learning.
Staff Changes In the wake of the EQA and the middle school fact-finding report, the Superintendent took action to provide district curriculum leadership within the parameters of a limited budget by dissolving three administrative positions at the middle/high schools, facilitated by the departure by retirement of the high school principal, Rob Morrill. The new positions were defined as the Principal and Assistant Principal of Secondary Education and search committees were established representing all stakeholders. The consolidation of administrative positions provided funds for the creation of a Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, to lead the work in improving student achievement in the coming year. Jeff Kenney, the former Great Falls Middle School principal and long-time science teacher in the district, was appointed the new Principal of Secondary Education. Earl McGraw, the former Dean of Students at Turners Falls High School was appointed the new Assistant Principal. We were very pleased to announce these appointments as the new team was one that the community supported whole-heartedly.
Bob Mahler, long-time Principal of the Gill Elementary School, and recently, part- time Principal of Gill and Montague Center Elementary, left the district in July, to become the Principal of the Shutesbury Elementary School. We wish him well in this new position.
David Crisafulli, former Superintendent in Franklin, MA joined the Administrative Team as the new half-time Principal in Gill. Christine Jutres was assigned to lead the Montague Center School in addition to her being Principal of Hillcrest Elementary.
Community Outreach The Gill-Montague Education Fund, a non-profit entity whose purpose is to raise funds to enhance instruction in the arts, academics and athletics continued to gain momentum in the community. An effort by many planners and contributors raised $20,000 for mini-grants for teachers. The Second Annual Gill-Montague Gala was held on April 29, 2006 at the Turners Falls High School Theater. Many thanks go to Joyce Phillips, who was the producer of the Gala, and she was instrumental in attracting the star performer, Elizabeth Von Trapp. Middle school and high school chorus students, along with 5th and 6 th grade students, were engaged by the world- renown singer and appeared on stage for excerpts from The Sound of Music .
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The 2005-2006 school year was challenging and rewarding. We are grateful for the dedication of teachers and staff and the support of parents and the community as we continue the process of rebuilding and renewing the district. We will not only restore essential programs for students in the coming years, we will also create new ways of improving student achievement. We know that the community will thrive with an excellent school district. There is much to be grateful for and much good work to do.
Respectfully submitted, Sue M. Gee, Superintendent
Gill Elementary School
For the school year 2005-2006, Gill Elementary School had an enrollment of 107 children in kindergarten through Grade 6. Classroom teachers were supported in their work by a Special Needs teacher and there was an additional Special Needs teacher responsible for the operation of the program for the seven children on the autism spectrum. The teaching staff also collaborated with a skilled group of paraprofessionals to create a warm, friendly and academically challenging program for each child. Staff and students continued to work together to pursue the identified core values, which call for ownership, investment, and commitment to the social, academic, and community growth of the school.
This was a very successful year. We initiated a flourishing project centered on the Connecticut River watershed in collaboration with the Antioch Graduate School; we continued our strong tradition of arts performance and presentation; and we began a professional development program that highlighted faculty research and investigation.
The Watershed Project was begun as part of a faculty desire to connect the school to the world around us. The partnership with the Environmental Education Department at Antioch seemed to be a natural fit and we reaped great benefits from that connection with three student interns and access to the skills and knowledge of Assistant Professor Sue Ward. The all-school project culminated with a community service project by the sixth grade as they worked up to the last minute of school to organize the required paperwork to register a vernal pool that is located on the school property. The project is scheduled to continue in the fall with a fresh slate of interns and a renewed emphasis on expanding staff knowledge about the opportunities of environmental education in and around the school.
The all-school play, The Wizard of Galafree , was performed in mid-March. Under the steady direction of Court Dorsey, the musical talent of John van Eps, and assisted by parent volunteer extraordinaire, Mary Reeder, the entire school performed in one of the most ambitious productions we have undertaken. The musical was a huge success with over 400 people in attendance for the two shows. The entire community rose in support of the play, with staff and parents adding their time and talents to create a performance that will be long remembered.
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The arts are greatly valued at Gill. In order to fulfill a vision of a well rounded arts program, the PTO undertook a commitment to fund the necessary component parts. For the entire school year, Anne Larsen, a licensed art teacher, was hired to teach studio arts on a weekly basis for each class. Her work was marked by an interest to introduce the students to many different medium. The evidence of her efforts was on display at the Art Show that was held in June. Of great interest that night was the unveiling of the Watershed murals. In order to capitalize on student interest in the environment, Jocelyn Castro-Santos volunteered to organize and compile student work for two murals that highlight the plant and animal life of the Connecticut River watershed.
In addition to the visual art work that was happening in the building, storyteller Eshu Bumpus continued his long-standing work with Gill School students. This year, his seventh, he spent a great deal of time working with the sixth grade to document their week long trip to the Sargent Center. The book of their articles and stories was produced and printed and is now part of the school’s library. This concentration on the arts (music, visual arts, theater and storytelling) was a conscious effort to provide each child with an increased level of expressiveness. Grants from the Gill Arts Lottery Council, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Gill-Montague Education Fund and the Quintas Allen Fund, along with funds from the PTO, all helped support these efforts.
Professional development activities focused on the Whole Faculty Study Group (WFSG) model. This is an action research method that allows teachers to examine their daily practice and research the effectiveness and impact of their practice on student achievement. The Gill School staff, including the paraprofessionals, looked at three different aspects of the program. One group examined mathematics and problem solving techniques, another group looked at how students express themselves in writing, and a third group looked at the ways students develop and expand their individual inventory of sight words. Staff were trained in the WFSG model in September and began their work in October. Part of the on-going trainings included the introduction of protocols in Looking at Student Work (LASW). These protocols enable staff to closely examine student effort and be able to draw specific conclusions regarding student understanding of lesson objectives, as well as student mastery of targeted skills. Overall, the use of the WFSG model provided a rich opportunity for staff to discuss their classroom practices and to examine teaching strategies in a manner that was collegial and informative. The effort was spearheaded by the superintendent of schools and is to be the backbone of an on-going effort to elevate the teaching and learning in the district. One area of concern for the school remains the classroom configuration. Although our overall student population has been slowly increasing we still have a few small classes (ten or eleven students). This causes a severe inconsistency when viewed in respect to the class sizes throughout the district. Therefore, we have combined grades as a method to address the issue of the smaller groups. This past year we had a class that combined grades three and four. We envision a continuation of this configuration and project a combined class of fourth and fifth grade students for the coming school year.
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We were able to expand student experiences and support in-school curriculum by utilizing local and regional resources through a series of field trips. Local field trips included visits to museums (Springfield Science Museum), Northfield Mountain Environmental Center, as well as local farms, and the Discovery Center in Turners Falls, Morse Hill Environmental Center, and Indian House at Historic Deerfield. In addition, students took a day long trip to Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire. The sixth grade was able to visit the Sargent Center in Hancock New Hampshire for a week long environmental education experience in the middle of the winter, an experience that was made even more valuable by the presence of the Watershed Project.
Parent involvement continued to be a key ingredient of the school's success. Parents organized the school library program. This included purchasing, cataloging, and repairing books, and operating the library program each week. This marked the tenth consecutive year that parents have operated the school library and provided students with the opportunity to explore the world through the books, stories and poems of our collection.
The Gill PTO raised funds via our annual Read-a-thon, and the always eventful carnival. In addition, there were family events such as the Book Fair, Holiday Crafts Night, the Cookie Exchange. PTO funds were used to support all of the arts programming, and special events. This was a tremendous effort and raised significant funds to supplement the programs at school.
The 2005-2006 school year was marked by the conclusion of the teaching career of Kathy O’Shea. Kathy retired at the end of the year after 25+ years of service to the students and district. Her talent and experience will be greatly missed by the entire Gill School community.
Accomplishments for the 2005-2006 school year included the following:
• The initiation of the Watershed Project in collaboration with the Antioch Graduate School. This included the efforts to certify a vernal pool on the school’s property, and the reopening and reutilization of the school’s nature trail. • Conducted an in-depth analysis of MCAS data (Reading and Math) in an effort to identify strengths and weaknesses in the respective programs and provide support to continue the best practices and improve upon the weak areas. • The initial effort to utilize the Whole Faculty Study Group as a method for staff development. • The tremendous cooperation of the parent group to support the efforts of the school through fundraising and volunteering. The fundraising helped provide resources for the artist-in-residence program, the arts programming, and special field trips. • Introduction and continuation of the use of the formal assessment tools Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) and Group
73 Reading Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation (GRADE). These assessments were utilized to examine student achievement in language arts related areas. • The performance of the all-school play, The Wizard of Galafree . This musical theater piece was viewed by a standing room only crowd and highlighted the talents of the fifth and sixth grade students. • The week long trip by the sixth grade to the Sargent Center in New Hampshire. This trip has been, for many, the best part of their schooling experience.
Great Falls Middle School
Great Falls Middle School is an exemplary middle school of approximately 200 students in grades seven and eight. A team structure, common planning time, flexible block scheduling, and philosophy that acknowledges the needs of young adolescents are what set us apart from junior highs and many other middle schools. We take great pride in the quality of the education that we offer our students and in the cooperative and respectful atmosphere where students and teachers work and learn together. Great Falls Middle School is housed in the new middle school addition attached to the East end of Turners Falls High School. While Great Falls Middle School is substantially separate from the High School, the library, gymnasium, auditorium, band room, and cafeteria are shared facilities.
Great Falls Middle School is composed of two interdisciplinary, academic teams, one at the seventh grade level, and one at the eighth grade level. Each team includes teachers of math, science, language arts and social studies as well as special education. A third team, the Eagles is composed of the teachers of exploratory classes such as family and consumer science, health, physical education, technology education, and world languages. In addition to the four academic courses and the exploratory courses, Great Falls students also participate in skills classes which include lessons in art, computer applications, keyboarding, library/research skills, nutrition, and data collection/analysis. In addition, all students participate in a silent reading program designed to improve their reading level and expose them to a wide variety of authors and genres.
Throughout the year, students have the option of participating in marching band, jazz band and chorus as well as several after school clubs. In addition, all students are invited to participate in a variety of after school activities offered daily through the 21 st Century Community Learning Center. The learning center offerings include a wide range of activities such as the homework help center, beaded jewelry, movie making, flag football, and juggling to name a few. In addition to the activities already mentioned, students may participate in the inter- scholastic sports program which includes soccer, football, field hockey, cross country, volleyball, golf, basketball, swimming, baseball, softball, tennis, and track.
The highlights of 2004-2005 at Great Falls Middle School:
• Responsive Designs for Middle School: During the summer, approximately
74 20 middle school teachers spent three weeks training in the methods of Responsive Designs for Middle School in preparation for implementation in 04-05. The program is a curriculum structure that combines the teaching of social and academic skills in a manner that is respectful of middle school students. • Community Service: As citizens of any community, it is important that students understand and value the need to be of service to others. Once again, the student Great Falls Middle School Student Council and Student Organized Services (SOS), with the charitable assistance of the middle school community, successfully responded to the needs of others by raising $1,000 to contribute to victims of the tsunami. This was enough money to build a new house for an entire family. • Student Leadership Conference: This year Great Falls hosted the 2005 Annual Student Leadership Conference. High school and middle school students from districts throughout the valley participated in the day’s events. Workshops and performances designed to build strong student leaders were held throughout the day. The event was so successful, that we have agreed to host it again in 2006.
Great Falls Middle School provides a safe, nurturing, and academically challenging environment and a supportive transition from elementary to secondary school. The program is specifically designed to meet the needs of early adolescents while empowering them to develop and recognize their value and place in the global community.
Hillcrest Elementary School
Student Body, Staffing & Programming. The Hillcrest Elementary School maintained an enrollment of an average 178 students in grades preschool through two. Student free and reduced lunch rate saw a slight increase to 52% up about 1.5 % from the previous year. We had nine English Language Learners receiving services from the ELL instructor, spanning preschool through grade 2. We were able to provide a higher level of intervention for our ELL students because of the designation of an ELL teacher for several hours every day throughout the year. We had two preschool teachers, three kindergarten, two first and three second grade classrooms. Additionally we were able to offer Reading Recovery, Title I reading support and special education services to students in K,1 & 2. There was a preschool special education service provided by a .5 special education teacher. It was the first year for the Old Mill Program for students with challenging behaviors. Seven students participated in this program run by School Based Services but housed in our school. During the school year it became apparent that we would need an additional session of preschool to accommodate a number of new three year olds with special needs. For that reason, an afternoon session was added for four afternoons per week to serve 8 students. Our full day program and our morning preschool program operated at full capacity at 15 students per session. Kindergarten, First and Second grades continued in their third year of implementation of the Reading First Program. We hired a new reading specialist who helped us greatly with the implementation of the supplemental instruction needed in year three of the RF
75 grant. Great strides were made this year in training paraprofessionals to implement the supplemental and intervention programs associated with the program, an improvement over last year. We were able to offer reading intervention before school and during school to targeted students in all grade levels. Two parent volunteers were also trained and delivered program to students in grade 2. Twelve students received before school program and thirty-six students received help through school day programs . All students showed improvement in reading scores on the DIBELS and GRADE. A total of eight students were served and then discontinued from the Reading Recovery Program.
Professional Development. In addition to special training for paraprofessionals using The Early Reading Inventory and Read Naturally programs referenced above, Whole Faculty Study groups were established by forming critical questions based upon the Reading First data. Groups addressed questions in vocabulary, fluency, writing and phonetic& phonemic awareness. Teacher and paraprofessional directed research in these areas of critical reading and vocabulary skills yielded new ways of improving instruction and assessment. Teachers also met with the reading specialist in regular grade level meetings and on targeted topics related to implementation of the Houghton – Mifflin reading program. Other professional development centered on Beck’s Vocabulary. The staff and the school council worked together with Ruth Charney from the Northeast Foundation for Children to revise the school wide discipline code so that it is aligned with Responsive Classroom practices by designing “pathways” to student empathy and self-control. Additionally, the Hillcrest School adopted a School Constitution, complete with delegates, a constitutional convention and ratification. The Constitution forms the code by which students and teachers abide by. Three teachers and two paraprofessionals attended the Responsive Classroom Summer Institute in the summer of 2006.
Accessing Resources to Improve Educational Opportunities for Students. Through the efforts of the Hillcrest PTO, the Gill-Montague Education Fund (GMEF) and the Massachusetts Cultural Council grant, art and science remained a vital part of the learning experience for our students. Teachers wrote and were awarded a GMEF grant for science to study local habitats. Students participated in studies at the school and at the Great Falls Discovery Center. This work culminated in the second year mural project funded with MCC & PTO monies in which students worked with the artist in residence to create a large four panel mural depicting the habitats studied. It was a perfect example of interdisciplinary, integrated thematic study so critical for learning at any age. A school wide field trip to the University of Massachusetts Fine Arts Center for a performance of the Shanghai Circus was made possible in part by funds from the Local Cultural Council PASS program and the GMEF.
Embracing the Community. Beyond creating a welcoming atmosphere on a daily basis, families were invited to participate in monthly activities throughout the school year. Beginning with the superintendent’s new First Day of School initiative, family activities were focused on student learning and accomplishment especially in the area of literacy. The
76 ELL teacher also helped improve our efforts to embrace these •children’s developmental needs and helps create a classroom climate conducive to purposeful work, creativity and cooperation. The components include Circle of Power and Respect (CPR held each morning from 7:45 – 8:10), student development of school-wide rules, and a whole school commitment to respectful interaction between students and teachers. The program has been very successful and more staff will be trained during the summer of 2005.
Open House: Meeting with parents, family members, and people in the community is essential to an effective school program. At our annual open house on September 28th, we all came together to learn about the middle school program and the new middle school facility and its many advantages for our students. The open house is always a wonderful way to start the year and helps parents and teachers get to know each other as they begin the important work together of educating children.
Connecting with the Connecticut: Real-life science is happening all around us. It is important to Great Falls that our students realize that the things they learn about in class are directly related to the things happening in the real world. Participating in this grant program with the Pioneer Valley Regional and Frontier Regional School Districts has provided the districts with $200,000 worth of equipment and professional development. Students have learned to use sophisticated data collections instruments and computers to gather data on water clarity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and turbidity. Many of them have contributed data to national organizations mapping water quality throughout the country.
The eighth Annual Community Pot Luck Supper: Parent and community involvement in the education of our young people is essential to any successful school. This annual event provides an opportunity for students, parents and staff to make critical connections and get to know one another while they enjoy a traditional New England pot luck supper. It also serves as the culminating activity for the annual school raffle which raised $5,000 for student activities. This year, we once again had the honor of hosting this memorable event. During dessert, student dancers and singers as well as the faculty band entertained the attendees.
GFMS/TFHS musical production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”: Providing students with a wide variety of activities and learning experiences as a means of educating the “whole child” is one of the middle school goals. In this endeavor, more than 100 middle school and high school students joined together to perform this classic production. A tremendous amount of help from parents, staff, and the community preparing sets and costumes went into making this a wonderful event. The production in the newly renovated theater was truly a marvelous experience.
The 19th Annual G.F.M.S. Social; Social as well as academic development is focused on at the middle school level. This event provides the opportunity for students to work together to plan, organize, and finance a large social event. The Annual social is a semi-formal dance planned and sponsored by the Student Council and Student Organized Services. This year we were able to hold the 77 event in the new middle school/high school cafeteria. The Social was, as always the social event of the year for families into the school community by making important connections around school meetings, celebrations and special programs. In addition, The Community Partnership for Children /Family Network and the Kindergarten Enhancement grant were able to pool financial resources to provide a second year of a parent workshop series .The Kindergarten grant also sponsored a wellness –nutrition workshop for families of kindergarten students. The program was held at all three elementary schools. Efforts were made to improve outreach to new families through Kindergarten and Preschool Open Houses and transition activities such as step-up days (preK-grade 2) and orientation visits for preschool and kindergarten families. School wide, All School meetings continued every week, building students sense of community, featuring achievements of students and celebrating Adult and student Volunteers at a special spring meeting. We enjoyed another year of student interns from the Franklin County Technical School. Students were placed in classrooms preschool through grade two. Unfortunately, the Technical School is no longer going to offer this program as part of its curriculum. We had the help throughout the year, of two volunteer parents who used our reading program to assist student learning and a Foster Grandparent who worked in first grade classrooms throughout the year.
Summer Programs and Enrichment Opportunities. Once again, students were invited to participate in the summer reading camp Razzle Dazzle. This joint effort between the Montague Public Library, Hillcrest School found a new partner this year in the Great Falls Discovery Center. The staff was able to continue the habitat theme with the students over the course of the summer reading program because of the valuable resource the Discovery Center was to the program. Additionally, our Reading First/Title I program dovetailed the local library’s summer reading theme with a school wide summer theme: “Buggy About Books”. Over 40 students participated in the reading/ postcard initiative over the summer months. Their participation was celebrated at an All School Meeting. Special need students were able to continue their progress through summer programs targeted especially for them. After school programs provided enrichment opportunities in Spanish, pottery, library, arts and crafts and reading programs were available to first and second grade students. Approximately 55 students were served by these programs.
Concluding remarks. The Annual Report must recognize the teaching and para-teaching staff of the Hillcrest learning community. Their tireless effort to deliver the best possible well-rounded learning experiences for our students deserves our gratitude. They remain dedicated to the success of each student and our indicators of student growth show that to be true.
Montague Center School
The Montague Center School serves children from grades Kindergarten through Grade 3. Children attending the school come from each of the five villages of the town. Student enrollment for the FY06 school year was 93 students. There were a total of twenty-one staff members that included professional and paraprofessional
78 staff, part-time therapists, maintenance workers, and administrative personnel. There were some highlights in 2005-2006 that we want to spotlight. First and foremost was our study of the Sawmill River. This was a multi-disciplinary project that utilized the Environment as an Integrated Context for Learning (EIC) approach and included work with staff from the Hitchcock Center for the Environment. This all-school project, culminated in the presentation at an all- school meeting of the information gathered and learned throughout the year. This included a field guide of flora and fauna that inhabit and flourish in the Sawmill River. The guide was researched and designed by the first grade. A Quest (series of clues) was developed by the second grade and focused on the river and surrounding area. The stamp boxes (used to mark the Quest booklet) have been placed in key locations in the community. And finally, the third grade researched the question about the overall health of the river. They undertook a series of tests of the river that included ph and dissolved oxygen, to arrive at a conclusion: the river is healthy. Copies of the field guide can be found at the Montague Center library, along with a copy of the book produced last year entitled, The History of the Sawmill River . This program will continue next year, as the Hitchcock Center has been awarded grants totaling over $18,000 specifically for their work with the Montague Center School.
A second area of focus was the arts program. Parental efforts and grant opportunities allowed us to hire Anne Larsen for a second year as an artist-in- residence in the visual arts. Anne is a licensed art teacher and brought to the Montague Center School a great deal of energy and skill in teaching the students about many different medium that are used in the art world. The third grade worked on a quilt that was made of decorated by rubber stampings. The quilt was presented to the school as part of the third grade’s graduation ceremony, and now adorns our cafeteria as a long lasting commemorative of the class of 2006. Anne’s talents were also on display as she worked to create a backdrop for the musical, It’s a Jungle Out There . Music teacher Nan Sadoski worked with all grades to produce a springtime extravaganza that showcased the talents of the third grade. The performance was witnessed by an overflow crowd in the auditorium and culminated a year long celebration of music and art in the building.
Professional development activities focused on the Whole Faculty Study Group (WFSG) model. This is an action research method that allows teachers to examine their daily practice and research the effectiveness and impact of their practice on student achievement. The Montague Center School staff, including the paraprofessionals, looked at three different aspects of the reading program. These facets included reading for meaning, understanding inferential information and identifying the important aspects of a question. Staff were trained in the WFSG model in September and began their work in October. Part of the on-going trainings included the introduction of protocols in Looking at Student Work (LASW). These protocols enable staff to closely examine student effort and be able to draw specific conclusions regarding student understanding of lesson objectives, as well as student mastery of targeted skills. Overall, the use of the WFSG model provided a rich opportunity for staff to discuss their classroom practices and to examine teaching strategies in a manner that was collegial and informative. The effort was spearheaded by the superintendent of schools and is to
79 be the backbone of an on-going effort to elevate the teaching and learning in the district.
Parental involvement and support remained an integral part of the daily activities and special events at the school. Traditional school events were coordinated efforts between the parent group and the staff and students. These events and activities included the Halloween festival, the cookie exchange, book fair, fishing derby and field day and the gathering together for the community picnic and pie auction. Parent volunteers also operated the school library and helped out on field trips which included visits to the Shea Theater, Discovery Center, Sturbridge Village, Look Park and a voyage on the Quinnetucket.
The 2005-2006 school year was marked by the conclusion of the teaching careers of Maureen Keating and Becky Hurwitz. Both teachers retired at the end of the year after 30+ years of service to the students and district. Their combined talents will be greatly missed by the Montague Center School community.
Accomplishments for the 2005-2006 school year: • The continuation of the Sawmill River project in collaboration with the Hitchcock Center. The development of a Field Guide and The Sawmill River Nature Quest. • The launching of the school-wide reading series as published by the Houghton-Mifflin Company. This is part of the ongoing efforts to standardize the district curriculum and improve the links between the different elementary schools. • Conducted an in-depth analysis of MCAS data (Grade 3 Reading) in an effort to identify strengths and weaknesses in the language arts program and provide support to continue the best practices and improve upon the weak areas. • The initial effort to utilize the Whole Faculty Study Group as a method for staff development. • The tremendous cooperation of the parent group to support the efforts of the school through fundraising and volunteering. The fundraising helped provide resources for the artist-in-residence program and special field trips. • Introduction and continuation of the use of the formal assessment tools Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) and Group Reading Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation (GRADE). These assessments were utilized to examine student achievement in language arts related areas. • The performance of the all-school play, It’s a Jungle Out There . This musical theater piece was viewed by a standing room only crowd and highlighted the work of the music teacher, Nan Sadoski, and the talents of the third grade class. • The successful integration into the school by three pre-practicum student teachers from UMASS (2) and Greenfield Community College (1).
Sheffield Elementary School 2005-2006
The Sheffield Elementary School serves all of the Montague villages for children 80 attending grades 4 through 6. Sheffield also serves Grade 3 students from Montague City, Turners Falls, Millers Falls, and Lake Pleasant. For the 2005- 2006 school year, student enrollment was 265 with 3 grade 3 classrooms, 4 grade 4 classrooms, 4 grade 5 classrooms and 3 grade 6 classrooms. This year Sheffield maintained small class size (20 or less by assigning Title I teachers to regular classroom positions as a strategic plan to address achievement, particularly in reading and math. We were able to “add back” 1.5 reading teachers under Title I and hope to return two more reading teachers in future budget years. Instruction is provided in Special Education, Physical Education (1/2 hr per week), and Instrumental Music (1/2 hr per week); counseling from guidance and school adjustment counselors; additional therapies on an “as needed basis” from PT/OT and Speech and Language professionals; and language support from ELL staff who work throughout the district. We are also hopeful that we will be able to return Art instruction to our school in the near future.
Accomplishments for the 2005-06 school year include the following:
Continued professional development for instruction in reading and math with grade three involvement in the district's Reading First grant initiative. The third grade reading fluency scores were recognized by the State DOE as among the highest 6 schools with Reading First Grants in the state. Implementation of grade 4-6 Houghton-Mifflin Reading Program now provides continuous and consistent approach to Reading in grades K-6.
The Sheffield PTO continued to provide enormous financial and volunteer assistance to the school for basic classroom supplies, funding for art and music and library programs at school and on-going maintenance of the playground equipment. The PTO also coordinated the “First Day of School” Program. The Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Sheffield PTO provided grant funding for an artist-in-residence for a second year. David Fichter, renowned muralist from Cambridge, MA worked with students at both Hillcrest and Sheffield Schools to create a mural parkway between the two schools that will serve as a connector between the two schools and a town park for the community. The pathway was installed in fall 2005 with additional mural projects completed at the Sheffield School site in the spring of 2006. Two huge historical mural created by the children now hang on the back of the building.
Sheffield continued to host a number of graduate school student teachers in classrooms in both the fall and spring semesters. The University of Massachusetts School of Education – Bridges to the Future Program now provides these students to us on a regular basis.
Our 21 st Century Full Day program served nearly 90 children daily between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. with homework help and enrichment activity. There is one more year for this five-year state grant and we have been planning with community agencies ways to collaborate to extend this invaluable programming in the community beyond the life of the grant. Local fundraising for the program has been significantly supported by the Montage Elks and local businesses. A hugely successful rendition of the Wizard of Oz was put on by this program in the spring.
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We held two Library Book Fairs to increase reading throughout the school and at home and planned a significant summer reading program in conjunction with the 21 st century summer program and the local libraries for summer 2005. We have increased donors to our summer reading program and have a sizeable pool of money to provide book awards to students who successfully complete the program. Donations can be made to the Gill-Montague Education Fund in care of Sheffield Library Fund.
Art and Vocal Music were restored to the regular school program.
MATH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Outline grade level frameworks that are aligned with MCAS and grade-level benchmarks. • Advocate for district-wide alignment – Math curriculum adoption K-8 for 2006-7 implementation has been realized with Houghton-Mifflin Expressions being adopted k-5. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Implementation of Whole Faculty Study Group Model to support increased use of differentiated instruction model • Advocate for district curriculum coordinator position (1/4 time position realized)
BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS • address on-going funding deficiencies and lack of personnel • create dialogue with district regarding avenues for inclusion in the budgetary process at the school level to include: • reinstatement of lost teaching positions • restoration of Title I supplementary staff • increase PE time for students • provision of current and appropriate teaching materials and materials appropriate for at-risk students • Create and sustain appropriate venues for these discussions at Sheffield, with the School Community Council and between Sheffield and central administration and school committee.
District Special Education/Pupil Services
During the 2005-2006 school year, the Gill-Montague Regional School District’s Special Education/Student Services Department provided a vast array of services to approximately 311 special education students, 52 accommodation/504 students, 28 English Language Learners, and 28 home schooled students. Most services were provided in the district’s six public schools. These services included, but were not limited to, education assistance and remediation consistent with the established regulations of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Massachusetts Department of Education policies for educating English Language Learners, Special Needs students, and students on Accommodation Plans (504). Direct services included
82 the following: speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, therapy for hearing impaired students, vision/mobility therapy, counseling, testing, adaptive physical education, community based vocational coaching, and behavior management. The district also funded day and residential special education programs for approximately 35 eligible students.
Special education students attending programs in the district were provided access to each school’s curriculum. The least restrictive placement with free and appropriate educational services, supported by IDEA and considered best practice, provided the overarching goal for each program. With inclusion as the best practice model at the elementary and middle school levels, “pull-out” time is used when necessary. There was ongoing decision making at annual review meetings, focusing on meeting the program needs of eligible students. Agreements between parents and the school regarding programming were made in approximately 350 TEAM meetings. There were no hearings or mediations needed as any conflicts were resolved in additional meetings with families. There were five independent evaluations requested. Staff efforts resulted in success in the district’s programs. Assistance from teachers, administrators, support staff, paraprofessionals, and consultants contributed to the gains made in well-run programs.
An existing program from past years, the Helping Us Grow Safely (HUGS) program located at the Hillcrest Elementary School which is dedicated to providing emotional/social support to identified students, served as a model to begin the process of creating an in-district program serving students in grades K-9 with behavioral disorders or emotional disabilities. Progress made in this type of program allows for students to transition into mainstream classes. The Old Mill Program began with three classrooms divided by grade/age and will be run in cooperation with School Based Services from Holyoke.
The Life Skills program at GFMS and TFHS promotes access of developmentally delayed students to the school’s general curriculum while providing them with intensive instruction in skills that will allow them to live full lives as independently as possible.
The Autism Program at Gill Elementary School offers highly specialized instruction in “concert” with a variety of related services to a small group of our most disabled Autistic students. Housing this program within the smaller community of the Gill Elementary School allows the community to support the program in as full a way as possible and gives these special students a consistent and familiar environment for their elementary education years.
Special Education services face significant financial challenges in providing mandated programming with insufficient funding provided by the state or federal governments. Grants have been reduced or eliminated and those that have increased slightly are not keeping pace with cost of living increases in salaries or services. The budget for the out-of-district tuitions continues to climb while the DOE Circuit Breaker reimbursement program stays static at a reimbursement level of 72%. Homeless transportation, Elementary Specialized Transportation, and Secondary Specialized Transportation line items continue to be high with no
83 reimbursement from the state. However, with the continued development of in- district programs and services we will reduce the need for “outside” programs. In addition, Special Education Directors from the region are working to increase their level of collaboration in an effort to provide specialized programs for other local districts at a reasonable cost.
Health Services Gill-Montague Regional School District employed four elementary and one secondary nurse for the 2005-2006 school year. All schools had a full-time nurse. The district collaborated with the East Longmeadow School System, sharing content of East Longmeadow’s Health Improvement Grant. This collaboration allowed nurses to receive updated screening equipment.
Grants The Gill-Montague Regional School District funds both programs and personnel with funds received from private organizations and from state and federal agencies. These grants and reimbursements may cover all or some portion of the cost of a wide variety of school programs. All of the programs supported through these grants provide valuable services to students and staff. Literally every student in the district benefits to some degree from these grants. For the 2005-2006 school year we received $90,000 less in grant funds than the year before. This was due to significant decreases in some state and federal grants. In addition, our decreasing student enrollment is affecting the amount of funding we receive. The chart below shows what was received.
GRANT CODE # GRANT TITLE AMOUNT* 1 MCC Arts Grant $18,000.00 2 SCORE Grant $15,000.00 3 COPS in Schools $41,500.00 4 Responsive Classroom (Northeast Foundation) `$20,000.00 5 Guiding Good Choices $1,620.00 6 Youth Recognition Program (CCT) $335.00 7 Smarter Kids SMART Program $1,800.00 140 Improving Educator Quality $88,920.00 160 Enhanced Educational Technology $8,564.00 240 SPED Allocation $383,350.00 262 SPED Early Childhood Allocation $20,358,002.74 263 SPED Program Improvement $7,500.00 302 Title VI: Innovative Educational Program $10,252.00 305 Title I: Remedial Education Services $444,606.00 323 Middle School Improvement $25,000.00 331 Safe & Drug Free Schools $11,415.00 391 Community Partnerships for Children $173,521.00 632 Academic Support Services $3,060.00 647 21 st Century After School Program $40,000.00 701 Full Day K: K Enhancement Program $50,000.00 728 Reading First $85,000.00 e-rate SLD Telecommunications Reimbursement $21,000.00 GRAND TOTAL $1,545,987 .00
84
The following are highlights of accomplishments in the 2005-2006 school year in the area of technology: • We refined use of the Novell operating system on the servers of our computer network. • An e-rate reimbursement at the 69% level was received for Internet & telecommunications services. • We used grant funds to purchase Edline software licenses for the middle and high schools. Teachers in those schools now have a web page where they can post grades, homework, absences and other notices for parents and students to access via the Internet. • We continued to maximize our purchasing power for software licenses as part of the Technology Education Partnership managed through GCC. • We participated in and received training in use of the new regional and statewide data warehouse. • We expanded student use of the new TV studio in the middle/high school building.
For the past few years, relying on the middle/high school building project, we were able to replace all the computer systems in those schools. That project is over and the hardware purchased at the start of the project is now 3-4 years old. Any useable hardware from the old middle/high school building was moved to our elementary schools to replace and expand on whatever older equipment was available there. It was at least a short term solution to the problems and limitations of the aging equipment in the elementary schools.
However, now our 8 and 9 year old computers and printers in grades K-6 are failing. We have no choice but to budget for funds to replace at least some portion of them. Due to budget reductions in the past, we have not been able to replace computers or printers according to the timeline in our Technology Plan which calls for replacement every 7 years. The recommended time for replacement of such equipment is three to five years. Using the skills of our tech staff we have been able to keep our old computers running, and we continue to make every effort to keep down the cost of technology in other ways as well. Unfortunately, we can only do so much with old equipment and the cost of replacing such equipment continues to increase each year that we delay making that investment. This is another one of our district’s many fiscal challenges.
Each year educators find new ways to use computer technology to help students learn. We continue to do our best to comply with the Massachusetts’ Technology Benchmarks and to take advantage of the ever-increasing educational possibilities presented by technology.
85 Gill-Montague Regional School District Governmental Funds Statement of Revenues and Other Sources, Expenditures and Other Uses – Budget and Actual For the Year Ended June 30, 2006 (Unaudited)
Variance with Final Budget Original Actual Positive Budget Final Budget Amounts (Negative) Revenues and Other Sources: Assessments to member towns $7,766,601 $7,766,601 $7,766,601 0 Tuition 400,000 400,000 441,166 41,166 Intergovernmental 6,323,242 6,323,242 6,275,580 (47,662) Investment Income 10,694 10,694 127,679 116,985 Miscellaneous 0 0 24,359 24,359 Other Sources 215669 215669 259,140 43,471 Transfers in 461000 461000 461,000 0
Total Revenues and Other Sources 15,177,206 15,177,206 15,355,525 178,319
Expenditures and Other Uses: Administration and benefits 568,558 568,558 548,133 20,425 Instruction 7,369,424 7,369,424 7,346,738 22,686 Other School Services 931,071 931,071 1,068,009 (136,938) Operation and maintenance 1,285,937 1,285,937 1,274,582 11,355 Fixed charges 2,903,716 2,903,716 2,910,235 (6,519) Debt Service 915,100 915,100 913,599 1501 Special education tuitions 626,000 626,000 701,127 (75,127) School choice/charter 577,400 577,400 657,468 (80,068) Transfer out 0 0 0 0
Total Expenditures and Other Uses 15,177,206 15,177,206 15,419,891 (242,685)
Excess (deficiency) of revenues and other sources over expenditure and other uses 0 0 (64,366) (64,366)
Contributors to the Annual Report
Sue M. Gee, Superintendent of Schools Lynn Bassett, Director of Business and Operations Martin Espinola, Director of Technology and Grants Cynthia Joyce, Director of Special Education and Student Services Christine Jutres, Principal, Hillcrest Elementary School Jeffrey Kenney, Principal, Great Falls Middle School Robert Mahler, Principal Gill Elementary School Robert Mahler, Principal Montague Center School Robert Morrill, Principal Turners Falls High School Chip Wood, Principal, Sheffield Elementary School
86
FINANCIAL REPORTS OF
TOWN OFFICERS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
2006
87 Town of Gill TRUST FUND ACCOUNTS
NAME Bal. 7/1/05 Income Expense Interest Bal. 6/30/06
WEST CEMETARY P. C. Funds $1,792.82 $90.00 71.04 $1,773.86 Alonzo Atherton $373.85 13.99 $387.84 Day, Wood, Hosmer $512.29 16.00 $528.29 George W. Harris $311.62 11.72 $323.34 George W. Hastings $500.50 18.83 $519.33 Lewis L. Hastings $539.37 $335.00 13.98 $218.35 Helen M. Lynde $125.26 4.70 $129.96
Total West Cemetary $4,155.71 $0.00 $425.00 $150.26 $3,880.97
NORTH CEMETARY North Burial $531.50 20.00 $551.50 P.C. Funds $1,321.17 $660.00 50.48 $711.65 George R. Bliss $1,021.48 29.14 $1,050.62 Julian T. Martindale $625.64 $120.00 23.42 $529.06 Holland F. Roberts $87.48 3.28 $90.76 Bardwell-Severance $389.85 $60.00 14.59 $344.44 Reb. & Lydia Stockwell $279.10 10.44 $289.54 Ella J. Stoughton $548.84 $120.00 20.65 $449.49 Wright & Perry $758.88 28.55 $787.43
Total North Cemetary $5,563.94 $0.00 $960.00 $200.55 $4,804.49
CENTER CEMETARY P.C. Funds $4,100.38 $280.00 153.47 $3,973.85 Josiah D. Canning $467.11 17.68 $484.79 Frederick Hale $8,175.37 $166.99 307.65 $8,316.03 Kate L. Haywood $452.29 16.89 $469.18 Lyman B. Howe $914.35 34.28 $948.63 Samuel Janes $929.99 $50.00 29.43 $909.42 E. L. Kelly $965.62 36.24 $1,001.86 A.F.S. Lyons $1,207.98 36.64 $1,244.62 William Nichols $1,139.37 42.57 $1,181.94 Halbert & Persis Phillips $883.76 33.08 $916.84 Warren Purple $569.26 21.31 $590.57 William H. Rapp $1,046.85 39.37 $1,086.22 Emily A. Roberts $873.04 32.68 $905.72 Toomey-Scheiding $693.02 26.06 $719.08 Hollis M. Slate $1,465.02 52.09 $1,517.11 Gilbert Stacy $875.92 32.79 $908.71 Samuel P. Stratton $850.43 32.00 $882.43 John A. Tenney $900.26 $175.00 26.36 $751.62 Sarah S. Van Horn $792.11 29.65 $821.76
Total Center Cemetary $27,302.13 $0.00 $671.99 $1,000.24 $27,630.38
RIVERSIDE CEMETARY $101.15 $1.88 3.78 $103.05
LIBRARY FUNDS Charles Stoughton $4,045.26 289.42 $4,334.68 Cora Holmes $1,147.61 42.95 $1,190.56 Harris Trust $9,841.46 368.36 $10,209.82 Mary Morgan $982.26 36.76 $1,019.02 Riverside Library $3,480.63 130.28 $3,610.91 Library Trustees $25.61 0.06 $25.67 Gill Protective $837.89 30.36 $868.25 Benevolent Society $2,436.26 91.19 $2,527.45
Total Library Funds $22,796.98 $0.00 $0.00 $989.38 $23,786.36
88 TRUST FUND ACCOUNTS Continued... NAME Bal. 7/1/05 Income Expense Interest Bal. 6/30/06
Bank of Western Massachusetts Stabilization Fund $126,385.43 $127,794.66 1,409.23 ($0.00) General Funds $70.58 $630.00 22.63 $723.21 Unemployment $30,227.14 $20,000.00 1,059.16 $11,286.30 Recreation Revolving $4,790.03 $18,657.55 $16,893.90 188.90 $6,742.58 Sewer Loan $66,293.17 2,292.93 $68,586.10 Quintus Allen $8,483.13 $869.21 $400.00 319.21 $9,271.55 Payroll Account $146,122.03 $3,171,860.65 $3,331,503.72 827.89 ($12,693.15) Money Market $172,667.95 $2,223,248.37 $1,482,775.03 6,151.03 $919,292.32 Cert. of Deposit $450,569.00 $456,720.03 $6,151.03 ($0.00) Cert. of Deposit $350,000.00 $350,000.00 $0.00 Collectors $0.00 $126,714.67 $73,500.00 $49.53 $53,264.20 Vendor $1,000.00 $0.22 $1,000.22 Stabilization CD $127,794.66 $15,000.00 $1,266.62 $114,061.28 Webster Bank Vendor Account $757.77 $759.72 1.95 ($0.00) Money Market $82.77 $759.92 27.17 $866.67 Stabilization $457.21 17.92 $475.13
MMDT Rehab Account $19,947.76 850.51 $20,798.27 Arts Lottery $965.89 41.99 $1,007.88 General Funds $1,626.42 69.35 $1,695.77
Bank of America Checking $1,725.29 $1,725.29 $0.00 Money Market $2,214.27 $2,214.27 $0.00 Payroll $1,018.28 $1,018.28 $0.00
Total General Fund Accounts $1,573,118.69 $5,542,740.37 $5,880,304.90 $20,747.27 $1,256,583.58
89 TOWN OF GILL COMBINED BALANCE SHEET ALL FUNDS June 30, 2006 General Special Capital Trust & Long-Term ASSETS Fund Revenues Projects Agency Debt Cash, Petty 125.00 Cash, Pooled 858,587.95 194,242.14 3,064.28 215,468.95
2006 Personal Property 460.38 2005 Personal Property 260.17 2004 Personal Property 76.59 2003 Personal Property 138.25 Prior Years 760.79 Total Personal Property 1,696.18
2006 Real Estate 36,562.48 2005 Real Estate 15,305.70 2004 Real Estate 5,545.84 2003 Real Estate 287.69 2002 Real Estate -201.15 Prior Year 1,091.04 Total Real Estate 58,591.60
2006 Allow for Abate/Exempt -4,473.71 2005 Allow for Abate/Exempt -33,601.67 2004 Allow for Abate/Exempt -7,739.68 2003 Allow for Abate/Exempt -1,188.03 Prior Years -1,853.37 Total Allow for Abate/Exempt -48,856.46
Tax Liens 96,863.05 ` Tax Possessions 8,844.57
2006 Motor Vehicle Excise 11,732.02 2005 Motor Vehicle Excise 7,650.77 2004 Motor Vehicle Excise 2,265.14 2003 Motor Vehicle Excise 524.71 Prior Year 21,383.48 Total Motor Vehicle Excise 43,556.12
Farm Animal Excise 3,951.50 Forest Products Excise 224.00
Sewer Charges 15,470.84 Sewer Liens 710.49 Sewer Tax Titles 3,079.82
Due From General Fund 30,000.00
Utility Deposit 545.00 Snow Loan not yet due 2,156.12 Highway Grants Receivable 100,318.59
To Be Provided-Long Term Debt 79,433.00
TOTAL ASSETS 1,024,128.51 315,978.00 3,064.28 245,468.95 79,433.00
90 General Special Capital Trust & Long-Term LIABILITIES Fund Revenues Projects Agency Debt
Warrants Payable 63,752.90 13,253.79 99.25 Accounts Payable 4,487.58 Accrued Payroll 10,173.90
Prepaid Real Estate Taxes 3,450.00
Payroll Withholdings 1,440.29
Def.Rev - Property & RE Tax 11,431.32 Def.Rev - Tax Liens 96,863.05 Def.Rev - Motor Vehicle Excise 43,556.12 Def.Rev.- Tax Possession 8,844.57 Def.Rev.- Farm Animal Excise 3,951.50 Def.Rev.- Forest Products 224.00 Def.Rev. - Loans not yet due 2,156.12 Def.Rev. Sewer Liens 710.49 Def.Rev. Sewer Charges 15,470.84 Def.Rev. Sewer Tax Title 3,079.82
Due to Stabilization 30,000.00
Bonds Payable-Town Garage 47,400.00 Bonds Payable-Septic Trust 32,033.00
BAN Payable 245,000.00
Revolving Police -201.60 Deputy Tax Collector 343.00 Town Clerk's Fees 31.79 Due to State - Fish/Wildlife 223.20 Due to State - Firearms -37.50 Due to County - Dog Officer 52.50
TOTAL LIABILITIES 278,175.23 34,671.06 245,000.00 510.64 79,433.00
FUND EQUITY General Special Capital Trust & Long-Term Fund Revenues Projects Agency Debt Res for future dept exclusion 15,763.41 Overlay Res for FY07 24,617.05 Debt Exclusion used'07 154,782.45 Bond Premium Reserved 36,502.55 Free Cash to lower tax rate 190,000.00
Reserve for Encumbrances 66,984.92 Undesignated Fund Balance 257,302.90
Riverside Sewer District 102,670.52 Grant Account Balances 36.66 Donation/Gift Accounts 27,762.75 Rehab Loan Paybacks 28,989.04 Cultural Council 3,743.16 Recreation Revolving 6,742.58 Trash Sticker 37,449.55 Wetlands Protection Fund 708.18 Road Machinery Fund 16,484.37 Sale of Cemetary Lots 9,353.26 Oil & Gas Inspections 100.00 Sale of Real Estate 1,000.00 Cemetary Survey Maps 3,832.69 FB Marimante Land Purchase -241,935.72
91 FUND EQUITY General Special Capital Trust & Long-Term Continued Fund Revenues Projects Agency Debt Septic Loan Fund 42,273.28 Balance Design for Sewer 160.90 Betterment Stabilization 144,535.79 Unemployment 29,187.74 Trust FB Quintus Allen 11,052.34 Cemetery Trust - 14,147.45 Non-expend Cemetery Trust - 23,775.79 Expendable Library Trust - Non- 2,147.08 expend Library Trust - 20,112.12 Expendable TOTAL FUND 745,953.28 281,306.94 -241,935.72 244,958.31 0.00 EQUITY TOTAL LIAB & 1,024,128.51 315,978.00 3,064.28 245,468.95 79,433.00 FUND EQUITY TREASURERS SUMMARY 2006 7/1/05-6/30/06 Quarters Warrants Receipts
July $174,894.78 $47,342.15 August $435,107.58 $37,069.75 September $423,371.97 $122,442.70 1st Quarter $1,033,374.33 $206,854.60
October $155,370.76 $42,751.64 November $388,575.61 $142,255.10 December $225,910.68 $935,669.65 2nd Quarter $769,857.05 $1,120,676.39
January $387,636.36 $133,729.06 February $95,319.08 $177,304.40 March $453,009.75 $667,207.76 3rd Quarter $935,965.19 $978,241.22
April $483,882.06 $400,998.84 May 01 $183,680.43 $499,032.25 June 01 $218,660.44 $169,738.64 4th Quarter $886,222.93 $571,236.80
TOTALS $3,625,419.50 $2,692,002.27 92 FY2006 General Fund Revenue Report Revised Estimated Revenue Estimated Actual Account Name/Number Revenue Revisions Revenue Revenue Balance
TAXES AND EXCISES Personal Property Taxes 01-4-110-000 35,542.00 35,542.00 35,266.66 275.34 Real Estate Taxes 01-4-120-000 1,661,503.69 1,661,503.69 1,616,007.04 45,496.65 Motor Vehicle Excise 01-4-150-000 133,000.00 133,000.00 199,720.21 (66,720.21) Classified Forest Excise 01-4-163-000 0.00 0.00 0.00 Rollback Taxes 01-4-164-000 0.00 0.00 0.00 Interest on Property Tax 01-4-171-000 0.00 0.00 4,294.47 (4,294.47) Interest on Excises 01-4-172-000 6,324.65 (6,324.65) Payment in Lieu of Taxes 01-4-173-000 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 TOTAL TAXES and EXCISES: 1,832,045.69 0.00 1,832,045.69 1,861,613.03 (29,567.34)
DEPARTMENTAL REVENUES Fees 01-4-320-000 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 Town Clerk Fees 01-4-320-002 1,383.88 (1,383.88) RMV Clearing Charges 01-4-320-004 2,473.00 (2,473.00) Fees Treasurer 01-4-320-005 75.00 (75.00) NMH False Alamrs 01-4-321-005 3,800.00 (3,800.00) Tax Collector Fees 01-4-322-000 6,037.41 (6,037.41) Fees - Police 01-4-324-000 1,656.12 (1,656.12) Fees - Health Board 01-4-320-003 2,568.00 (2,568.00) Fees - Dog Pickup 01-4-326-000 150.00 (150.00) Fees - Planning Board 01-4-327-000 150.00 (150.00) Fees - Conservation Comm. 01-4-328-000 1,013.99 (1,013.99) Fees - Zoning Board 01-4-330-000 457.50 (457.50) Rentals 01-4-360-000 3,000.00 3,000.00 7,450.00 (4,450.00) Liquor Licenses 01-4-410-000 3,075.00 (3,075.00) Licenses - Other 01-4-420-000 16,000.00 16,000.00 1,150.00 14,850.00 Building Permits 01-4-451-000 12,908.00 (12,908.00) B.O.S.- Lic, Perm, Certs 01-4-420-002 1,077.00 (1,077.00) T. Clerk-Lic, Perm, Certs 01-4-450-161 159.75 (159.75) B.O.H.-Lic, Perm, Certs 01-4-450-510 1,725.00 (1,725.00) Permits - Police Dept 01-4-450-210 512.50 (512.50) Permits - Plumbing 01-4-452-000 4,485.00 (4,485.00) Permits - Wiring 01-4-453-000 6,702.00 (6,702.00) Fire Dept Permits 01-4-450-220 1,921.51 (1,921.51) Permits - Other 01-4-454-000 405.00 (405.00) TOTAL DEPARTMENTAL REVENUES: 25,000.00 0.00 25,000.00 61,335.66 (36,335.66)
STATE REVENUE State Owned Land 01-4-610-000 4,335.00 4,335.00 4,441.00 (106.00) Abatements to Veterans 01-4-613-000 1,700.00 1,700.00 1,700.00 Abatements to the Elderly 01-4-616-000 5,522.00 5,522.00 4,016.00 1,506.00 Lottery Aid 01-4-661-000 213,486.00 213,486.00 213,505.50 (19.50) Veteran's Benefits 01-4-665-000 1,175.00 (1,175.00) Extended Polling Hours 01-4-680-002 189.15 (189.15) NMH FRTA Reimbursement 01-4-690-001 5,213.00 (5,213.00) TOTAL STATE REVENUE: 225,043.00 0.00 225,043.00 228,539.65 (3,496.65)
OTHER GOVERNMENTAL REVENUE RMV Fines 01-4-770-001 15,000.00 15,000.00 17,955.00 (2,955.00) Fines - District Court 01-4-770-002 405.00 (405.00) TOTAL OTHER INTERGOVERNMENTAL REV: 15,000.00 0.00 15,000.00 18,360.00 (3,360.00)
MISCELLANEOUS SOURCES Earnings of Investments 01-4-820-000 13,424.68 (13,424.68) Copier Receipts 01-4-840-006 35.60 (35.60)
93 FY2006 General Fund Expense Report Previous Original Budget Revised Actual Account Name/Number Year's Balance Budget Revisions Budget Expended Balance
GENERAL GOVERNMENT Moderator 015114-110 156.71 156.71 79.00 77.71 Selectboard Salary 015122-110 6,066.40 6,066.40 6,065.97 0.43 Selectboard Expense 015122-780 3,505.00 (1,005.73) 2,499.27 2,482.19 17.08 Wages Town Adminsitrator 015123-110 38,251.20 128.73 38,379.93 38,379.93 - Expenses Town Administrator 015123-780 800.00 800.00 674.89 125.11 Finance Committee 015131-780 125.00 125.00 125.00 Reserve Fund 015132-780 2,500.00 (1,564.11) 935.89 935.89 Town Accountant 015135-110 19,837.00 19,837.00 19,837.00 - Accountant Expense 015135-780 1,535.00 1,535.00 1,532.47 2.53 Audit Services 015135-800 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 - Assessors Salary 015141-110 7,366.50 7,366.50 4,619.43 2,747.07 Assessors Clerk 015141-111 13,140.00 13,140.00 11,164.81 1,975.19 Assessors Legal Counce 015141-300 200.00 200.00 200.00 - Assessors Expense 015141-780 4,194.00 4,194.00 4,158.63 35.37 Assessor's Revaluation 015-142-810 8,009.67 3,000.00 11,009.67 11,009.67 Treasurer Salary 015145-110 8,790.41 8,790.41 8,790.41 - Treas/Coll Banking Ser 015145-240 150.00 150.00 150.00 Treas/Tax Title Foreclosure 015145-241 750.00 750.00 750.00 Treasurer Expense 015145-780 1,800.00 564.11 2,364.11 2,359.26 4.85 Tax Collector Salary 015146-110 13,114.53 13,114.53 13,114.53 - Tax Collector Expense 015146-780 6,060.00 6,060.00 5,982.34 77.66 Legal Expenses 015151-300 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 - Info Tech Expenses 015155-810 3,000.00 3,000.00 2,961.93 38.07 Town Clerk Salary 015161-110 10,165.55 10,165.55 10,165.55 - Town Clerk Expense 015161-780 2,459.85 2,459.85 1,601.80 858.05 Sal. Elect/Listers/Reg 015162-780 1,000.00 1,000.00 582.35 417.65 Conservation Commissio 015171-780 500.00 500.00 248.67 251.33 Agri Protest/Rest Program 015172-810 22,847.50 22,847.50 2,300.00 20,547.50 Planning Board 015175-780 745.00 745.00 400.22 344.78 Board of Appeals 015176-780 500.00 500.00 249.97 250.03 Mariamante Arch Survey 015192-781 15,000.00 15,000.00 14,989.00 11.00 Town Hall & Riverside 015192-781 23,300.00 877.00 24,177.00 24,177.00 - Garage/Public Safety Bldg 015192-782 11,235.00 3,500.00 14,735.00 14,703.51 31.49 Repairs & Maint Town Bldgs 015192-810 5357.57 5,357.57 5,357.57 Ins. Property & Liability 015193-740 43,000.00 43,000.00 42,533.88 466.12 FRCOG Assessment 015199-120 7,802.02 7,802.02 7,802.02 - FRCOG Fee for Service 015199-121 5,500.00 5,500.00 796.25 4,703.75 TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT 36,214.74 256,549.17 17,500.00 310,263.91 258,953.01 51,310.90
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY Police Department Expenses 015210-780 160,000.00 2,000.00 162,000.00 161,986.64 13.36 Fire Department Expenses 015220-780 62,000.00 62,000.00 60,661.76 1,338.24 Fire Department Jaws of Life 015220-805 20000.00 20,000.00 19,245.00 755.00 FRCOG Inspection Program 015241-300 23,088.82 23,088.82 23,088.82 - Civil Defense 015291-780 400.00 400.00 400.00 Dog Fund 015292-780 800.00 800.00 390.25 409.75 Animal control Officer 015292-781 800.00 800.00 756.58 43.42 TOTAL PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY 20000.00 247,088.82 2,000.00 269,088.82 266,129.05 2,959.77
EDUCATION Gill/Montague School District 015301-320 1,095,041.00 1,095,041.00 1,095,041.00 - Gill Elementary School Boiler 015302-805 25000.00 25,000.00 25,000.00 Tech School District 015302-320 76,199.69 76,199.69 76,199.69 - TOTAL EDUCATION 25000.00 1,171,240.69 - 1,196,240.69 1,171,240.69 25,000.00
PUBLIC WORKS AND FACILITIES
94 FY2006 General Fund Expense Report continued...
HUMAN SERVICES Board of Health Salaries 015510-110 6,715.93 6,715.93 5,020.25 1,695.68 Board of Health Expenses 015510-780 500.00 500.00 49.69 450.31 Council on Aging 015541-780 5,720.11 5,720.11 5,701.81 18.30 Veteran's Assessment 015543-690 2,709.00 2,709.00 2,709.00 - Veteran's Benefits 015543-770 4,000.00 (3,600.00) 400.00 400.00 TOTAL HUMAN SERVICES 0.00 19,645.04 (3,600.00) 16,045.04 13,480.75 2,564.29
CULTURE AND RECREATION Library Salary 015610-110 9,703.77 9,703.77 9,343.18 360.59 Library Expense 015610-780 6,000.00 6,000.00 5,997.68 2.32 Recreation Committee 015630-780 3,600.00 3,600.00 3,514.45 85.55 Historical Commission 015691-780 450.00 450.00 450.00 - Historical Home Survey 015691-810 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Cable Commission 015699-810 1,728.40 1,500.00 3,228.40 3,054.38 174.02 Community Cable Television 015699-340 178.00 178.00 178.00 TOTAL CULTURE AND RECREATION 2728.40 21,431.77 - 24,160.17 22,359.69 1,800.48
DEBT SERVICE Garage Construction Loan 015710-912 19,592.00 19,592.00 19,592.00 - Debt-High School Roof 015710-914 4,645.00 4,645.00 4,645.00 - School Renovation Loan 015710-915 32,406.00 32,406.00 32,406.00 - TFHS/GFMS Bldg. Debt 015710-917 107,980.43 107,980.43 107,980.43 - Temporary Loan Interest 015752-925 7,500.00 7,500.00 7,330.77 169.23 TOTAL DEBT SERVICE 0.00 172,123.43 - 172,123.43 171,954.20 169.23
INTERGOVERNMENTAL EXPENSES Air Pollution Control 015820-640 286.00 286.00 285.50 0.50 RMV Non-renewal Surcharge 015820-648 960.00 960.00 920.00 40.00 Regional Transit Authority 015820-663 5,740.00 5,740.00 5,740.00 - TOTAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL EXPENSES 0.00 6,986.00 - 6,986.00 6,945.50 40.50
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES Retirement Assessment 015911-170 46,680.00 46,680.00 46,680.00 - Personal Insurance 015914-170 75,000.00 3,600.00 78,600.00 77,935.57 664.43 Unemployment Compensation 015996-967 2,550.00 2,550.00 2,550.00 TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES 0.00 124,230.00 3,600.00 127,830.00 124,615.57 3,214.43
TOTAL EXPENSES: 85,463.32 2,474,880.32 18,500.00 2,578,843.64 2,482,486.20 96,357.44 FY2006 Other Fund Expense Report
Previous Original Budget Revised Actual Account Name/Number Year's Balance Budget Revisions Budget Expended Balance
REHABILITATION Fire Dept Second Floor 205220-001 101.00 101.00 101.00 0.00 Rehab Loan Paybacks 205780-000 30,879.19 850.51 31,729.70 2,740.66 28,989.04 Wage & Classification System 205780-152 2,834.95 2,834.95 2,834.95 0.00 TOTAL FUND 20: 33,815.14 0.00 850.51 34,665.65 5,676.61 28,989.04
CULTURAL COUNCIL $ Available Funds 215300-000 3,001.17 2,541.99 5,543.16 1,800.00 3,743.16 TOTAL FUND 21: 3,001.17 0.00 2,541.99 5,543.16 1,800.00 3,743.16
HIGHWAY GRANTS Highway Grant #246106 235422-000 71,993.40 (71,993.40) Highway Grant #246108 235423-000 28,325.19 (28,325.19) TOTAL FUND 23: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100,318.59 (100,318.59)
SEWER FUND Available Sewer Charges 245440-000 87,650.51 875.75 88,526.26 88,526.26 Transfers to General Fund 245991-000 52,550.00 -52,550.00 TOTAL FUND 24: 87,650.51 0.00 875.75 88,526.26 52,550.00 35,976.26
SEPTIC GRANTS Septic Admin Expense 255433-010 4,747.57 4,747.57 4,747.57 Septic Available/Reloan 255433-090 35,576.39 2,481.32 38,057.71 2,292.00 35,765.71 Septic Loan Program 255511-000 1,760.00 1,760.00 1,760.00 TOTAL FUND 25: 42,083.96 0.00 2,481.32 44,565.28 2,292.00 42,273.28
95 RESERVED FOR APPROPRIATION Sale of Real Estate 275179-780 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Oil & Gas Inspections 275242-000 140.00 40.00 180.00 80.00 100.00 Dog Fund 275292-000 3,832.69 3,832.69 3,832.69 Sale of Cemetery Lots Fnd 275781-000 8,643.26 710.00 9,353.26 9,353.26 Cemetery Surv Maps 275781-040 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 0.00 Road Machinery Fund 275783-000 12,515.37 12,515.37 12,515.37 TOTAL FUND 27: 27,131.32 0.00 750.00 27,881.32 1,080.00 26,801.32
REVOLVING FUNDS Wetlands Protection Fund 285171-000 708.18 708.18 708.18 Trash Stickers 285433-000 31,536.25 36,140.00 67,676.25 30,226.70 37,449.55 Recreation Revolving 285630-000 4,790.03 18,846.45 23,636.48 16,893.90 6,742.58 TOTAL FUND 28: 37,034.46 0.00 54,986.45 92,020.91 47,120.60 44,900.31
OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS NMH Gifts 295122-831 18,538.09 18,538.09 11,216.57 7,321.52 PEG Capital 295159-010 1,200.00 1,200.00 1,200.00 PEG Access 295159-020 4,509.54 4,509.54 4,509.54 Newsletter Donations 295159-831 532.79 231.00 763.79 553.26 210.53 Other Police Donations 295210-832 727.08 550.00 1,277.08 1,277.08 VT Yankee Emergency Mgmt Fund 295220-010 4,739.67 11,595.50 16,335.17 7,797.90 8,537.27 Bridge St. Anchorage 295429-780 320.70 320.70 320.70 Library Donations 295610-831 2,045.32 456.25 2,501.57 1,783.84 717.73 Friends of Slate Mem Library 295610-832 2,089.25 2,089.25 1,037.75 1,051.50 Ballfield Donations 295630-831 1,516.58 1,516.58 1,516.58 Historical Comm Donations 295691-831 1,012.67 140.00 1,152.67 296.47 856.20 Proceeds of Ins. Undker 25K 295840-832 19,366.00 19,366.00 19,271.90 94.10 TOTAL FUND 29: 31,522.15 0.00 38,048.29 69,570.44 41,957.69 27,612.75
TRUST FUNDS FY2002 Quintus Allen 825300-202 950.00 950.00 950.00 FY2003 Quintus Allen 825300-203 1,500.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 FY2005 Quintus Allen 825300-205 750.00 750.00 750.00 FY2006 Quintas Allen 825300-206 400.00 400.00 400.00 $Quintus Allen Trust Fund 825300-820 8,483.13 869.21 9,352.34 400.00 8,952.34 $Cemetery Perpetual Care 825491-780 24,108.02 2,259.50 26,367.52 2,056.99 24,310.53 $Library Trust Funds 825610-780 20,113.25 855.60 20,968.85 856.73 20,112.12 $Unemployment Trust Fund 825913-780 28,120.61 1,131.38 29,251.99 64.25 29,187.74 TOTAL FUND 82: 84,025.01 0.00 5,515.69 89,540.70 4,877.97 84,662.73
STABILIZATION FUND Available Stabilization 835000-000 106,843.74 9,692.05 116,535.79 116,535.79 Accounting Software 835135-050 13,000.00 13,000.00 13,000.00 TOTAL FUND 83: 119,843.74 0.00 9,692.05 129,535.79 0.00 129,535.79
TOTAL OTHER FUND EXPENSES: 467,881.09 0.00 252,539.75 720,420.84 396,338.99 324,081.85
Other Fund Revenues show within the Budget Revision Column
96 2006 TAX COLLECTORS ANNUAL REPORT
REAL ESTATE
2006 Committed 1,641,081.38 Refunds 22,329.93 Collected 1,614,295.25 Abated 26,992.12 Other 6,392.40 Uncollected 15,737.13
2005 Committed 1,572,634.64 Refunds 34,434.30 Collected 1,562,597.00 Abatements 31,095.86 Other 4,807.25 Uncollected 8,568.83
2004 Committed 1,589,937.16 Refunds 13,540.15 Collected 1,577,153.88 Abatements 18,237.54 Other 6,589.00 Uncollected 1,496.87
2003 Outstanding 7/0103 0.00
2002 Outstanding 7/1/02 0.00
2001 Outstanding 7/1/01 0.00
2000 Outstandin 7/1/01 0.00
97 2006 TAX COLLECTOR ANNUAL REPORTS
SEWER USE FEES
2006 Committed 65,044.83 Collected 58,709.02 Abated Refunds 6.83 Added to Real Estate 6,548.23 Uncollected -205.59
2005 Committed 64,587.29 Collected 59,802.58 Abated Refunds 113.59 Added to Real Estate 5075.51 Uncollected -177.21
2004 Committed 16,607.71 Collected 16,754.84 Added to Real Estate Refunds 147.14 Uncollected - 0 -
Added to 2004 Real Estate 4,886.10 Collected 4,886.10
98 2006 TAX COLLECTOR ANNUAL REPORTS
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE
2006 Committed 148,098.76 R efunds 1,506.34 Collected 135,101.44 Abated 2,889.98 Adjusted Uncollected 11613.6
2005 Outstanding 50,714.21 Refunds 2,043.37 Collected 43,320.46 Abated 2,149.05 Adjusted To be Refunded Uncollected 7,288.07
2004 Outstanding 29,343.76 Refunds 689.64 Collected 18,805.01 Abated 63 9.96 Adjusted Uncollected 10,588.43
2003 Outstanding 15,692.11 R efunds Collected 15,049.37 Abated 1 18.03 Adjusted Uncollected 52 4.71
2002 Outstanding 9,067.16 Collected 8,405.32 Uncollected 66 1.84
2001 Outstanding 15,134.55 Collected Uncollected 15,134.55
2000 Outstanding 1,975.21 Collected Uncollected 1,975.21
99 2006 TAX COLLECTOR ANNUAL REPORTS
PERSONAL PROPERTY 2006 Committed 35,542.01 Refunds 10.65 Collected 35,240.41 Abatements 67.38 Uncollected 244.87
2005 Committed 31,035.32 Refunds 546.92 Collected 31,128.97 Abatements 193.08 Other 0.02 Uncollected 260.17
2004 Outstanding 764.53 Refunds Collected 686.25 Uncollected 78.28
2003 Outstanding 138.25 Collected Refunded Uncollected 138.25
2002 Outstanding 163.78 Collected Refunded Uncollected 163.78
2001 Outstanding 115.78 Collected Refunded Uncollected 115.78
2000 Outstanding 425.58 Collected Refunded Uncollected 425.58
100 2006 TAX COLLECTOR ANNUAL REPORTS FARM ANIMALS 2004 Committed 343.5 Collected Uncollected 343.5
2003 Committed 631.5 Collected Uncollected 631.5
2002 Committed 906 Collected Uncollected 906
2001 Outstanding 6/30/01 841.5 2000 Outstanding 6/30/00 608.5 1999 Outstanding 6/30/99 289 1998 Outstanding 6/30/98 282 1997 Outstanding 6/30/97 331.5 1996 Outstanding 6/30/96 347.5
FOREST PRODUCTS EXCISE 2005 Committed 1978.36 Refunds Collected 1978.36 Uncollected 0.00
2004 Outstanding 224 Collected 224 Uncollected
OTHER M.V. Excise Clearing Charges Collected 2473 M.V. Excise Interest Collected 6324.65 Sewer Use Interest Collected 916.74 Interest on Real Estate, Personal Property 4294.47 Other Taxes Collected 0
Total Collected & Paid to Treasurer $1,959,345.37
101
TOWN CLERK FINANCIAL REPORT
July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006
Birth Certificates $45.00 Death Certificates $55.00 Marriage Certificates $25.00 Marriage Intentions $45.00 Special Permits $450.00 Site Plan Reviews $150.00 Variance $50.00 ANR $300.00 Fuel Storage $40.00 Zoning Bylaws/Street Lists $128.00 Business Certificates $140.00 Raffle Permits (1) $10.00 Dog Fees (247 dogs) $627.00
TOTAL $2,065.00
102
TOWN MEETING MINUTES
AND ELECTION RESULTS
FOR THE
CALENDAR YEAR
2006
103 104 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS SPECIAL TOWN MEETING January 23, 2006 1068 Registered Voters 12 Voters Present
The meeting was brought to order at 7:00 P.M. by the Moderator, Ray Steele in the upper level of the Gill Town Hall, Main Road.
MOTIONS:
Article 1 : Move the Town vote to decrease the Planning Board from seven to five members, with the reduction to occur by attrition or resignation, which- ever occurs first.
Passed Unanimously
Article 2: Move the Town vote to amend the Zoning Bylaws for the Town of Gill as highlighted in the following:
Amend Section 2 A 4 District Uses as follows:
If designated in the Table by the letters “SP” the use may be permitted as a special exception only if the Board of Ap- peals so determines and grants a special permit therefore as provided in Section 2C, subject to such restriction as said board may establish.
Amend Section 2C to read as follows:
3. Authorization
The Board of Appeals shall be the Special Permit Grant- ing Authority. All Special Permits granted by the Spe- cial Permit Granting Authority shall include an ap- proved Site Plan bearing the endorsement of the Zoning Board of Appeals, except as otherwise exempted in Sec- tion 24C.
Amend Section 9: Earth Removal Operations to read as follows:
No soil, loam, sand, gravel, stone, or other earth materials shall be removed from any premises within the Town unless such removal will constitute an exempt operation as hereinafter provided or is done pursuant to a Special Permit issued by the Board of Appeals.
105 Amend Section 12: Board of Appeals to read as follows:
A. Within thirty days after the adoption of this Bylaw the Board of Selectmen shall appoint a Board of Appeals of five members, all of whom shall be property owners of the Town of Gill, which shall act on all matters within its jurisdiction under this Bylaw in the manner prescribed in Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts Gen- eral Laws and shall serve without remuneration. This Board of Appeals shall be appointed according to the methods described in said Chapter 40A, General Laws, as amended.
Amend Section 13 C: Nonconforming Uses and Structures to read as follows:
Alteration, extension, or change, as provided in MGL Chapter 40A, Section 6 – a legally nonconforming single or two family dwelling may be altered or extended, provided that doing so does not increase the nonconforming nature of said structure. Other pre-existing le- gally nonconforming structures or uses may be extended, altered, or changed in use by the issuance of a Special Permit by the Board of Appeals upon a finding by the Board that such alteration, extension, or change will not be substantially more detrimental to the neighbor- hood than the existing nonconforming structure or use.
Amend Section 17: Definitions to read:
SPECIAL PERMIT GRANTING AUTHORITY: The Board of Ap- peals shall be the Special Permit Granting Authority.
Amend Section 18 to delete all but the following:
If substantial use or construction has not commenced without good cause within a period of one (1) year from the date of the granting of a special permit, the special permit shall lapse. This time limit includes time required to pursue or await the determine of an appeal.
Amend Section 24 D deleting Section 1 in total and replace with the following:
D. Procedure
1. An applicant for Site Plan Review shall submit a Site Plan in accordance with this section to the Town Clerk. The Town Clerk shall forthwith transmit a copy of the application to the Board of Appeals. The Town Clerk shall indicate the date on which the Site Plan was received and transmit a copy of the dated application to the applicant. The date of receipt as indicated by the Town Clerk shall be considered to be the date on which the application has been filed with the Board of Appeals. It
106 shall be the responsibility of the applicant to furnish all supporting documentation with the application and the dated copy received from the Town Clerk does not absolve the applicant from this responsibility.
Amend Section 24 D sections 2-4 to read as follows:
2.The Board of Appeals shall obtain with each submission a deposit sufficient to cover any expenses connected with the public hearing and review of the plans. The Board has the right to retain a Registered Professional Engineer to advise the Board on any or all aspects of the site plan. The costs of this engineering study will be borne by the applicant.
3.The Board of Appeals shall transmit to the Conservation Commission, Board of Health, Historical Commission, Building Inspector, and other Boards as deemed necessary, copies of the site plan documents. The Boards have up to thirty-five (35) days to submit recommendations in writing to the Board of Appeals concerning: a.The adequacy of the data and procedure used by the applicant to determine the impacts of the proposed development; b.The effects of the projected impacts of the proposed development; and c.The recommended conditions or remedial measures to accommodate or mitigate the expected impacts of the proposed development.
Failure of an agency to report within the allotted time shall be interpreted as non-opposition to the submitted site plan.
4.The Board of Appeals shall hold a public hearing within (65) days of the receipt of an application and shall take final action within ninety (90) days from the time of hearing as provided in MGL Chapter 40A, Section 11. The Board of Appeal’s final action in writing shall consist of either: a.Approval of the site plan based upon determination that the proposed plan will constitute a suitable development and is in compliance with the standards set forth in this Bylaw; b.Disapproval of the site plan based upon a determination that the proposed project does not meet the standards for review set forth in this Bylaw; or c.Approval of the site plan subject to any conditions, modifications, and restrictions as required by the Board, which will ensure that the project meets the Standards for Review.
Amend Section 24 F Standards For Review to read as follows:
F.The Board of Appeals shall review the site plan and supporting data taking into consideration the reasonable fulfillment of the following objectives
Amend Section 24 G - Enforcement to read as follows:
107 1. Board of Appeals may require the posting of a bond to assure compliance with the plan and stated conditions to its approval, and may suspend any permit or license when work is not performed as required.
Amend Appendix A to read as follows:
APPENDIX A
The site plan shall include the following data, detail, and supporting plans. The actual number of pages submitted will depend on the size and complexity of the development, however, all of the requirements must be met in each plan, or a notation made as to the reason for its omission.
Site plans will be prepared by a Registered Professional Engineer, Landscape Architect, or Architect at a scale of 1 inch equals 20 feet, on standard 24' x 36' sheets, with continuation on 8 1/2" x 11" sheets as necessary for written information.
FOR BOARD OF APPEALS USE IN REVIEW Concern Included
1. Name of project, boundaries, location in town, date, north arrow and scale of the plan.
2. Name and address of the owner of record, developer, and seal of the engineer, landscape architect or architect.
3. Names and addresses of all owners of record of abutting parcels and those within three hundred (300) feet of the property line.
4. All existing lot lines, easements, rights-of-way, size in acres or square feet of the lot, abutting land uses, and the location and use of structures within three hundred (300) feet of the site.
5. The location and use of all existing and proposed buildings and structures within the development. Include dimensions of height and floor area, and show all exterior entrances, and all anticipated future additions and alterations.
6. Location of all present and proposed public and private ways, parking areas, driveways, sidewalks, ramps, curbs, fences, paths, landscaping, walls, and waste disposal containers.
7. The location, height, intensity, and bulb type (eg. fluorescent, sodium), of all external lighting fixtures. The direction of illumination and methods to eliminate glare onto adjoining properties must also be shown.
8. The location, height, size, materials and design of all proposed signage.
108 9. Location of all present and proposed utility systems including: - sewage or septic systems - water supply system - telephone, cable and electrical systems - storm drainage system including existing and proposed drain lines, culverts, catch basins, headwalls, endwalls, hydrants, manholes and drainage swales.
The Board of Appeals may also request soil logs, percolation tests and storm run-off calculations for large or environmentally sensitive developments.
The applicant shall submit plans to prevent the pollution of surface or ground water, erosion of soil both during and after construction, excessive run-off, excessive raising or lowering of the water table, and flooding of other properties as applicable.
10. Existing and proposed topography at a two-foot contour interval. All elevations shall refer to the nearest United States Coastal and Geodedic Bench Mark. If any portion of the parcel is within the 100-year flood plain, the area will be shown, and base flood elevations given.
Indicate areas within the proposed site and within 50 feet of the proposed site, where ground removal or filling is required, and its approximate volume in cubic yards.
11. A landscape plan showing all existing natural land features, trees, forest coverage and water sources, and all proposed changes to these features, including size and type of plant material. Water sources will include ponds, lakes, brooks, streams, wetlands, floodplains, and drainage retention areas.
12. Zoning district boundaries within 500 feet of the site's perimeter shall be drawn and identified on the plan.
13. Traffic flow patterns within the site, entrances and exits, loading and unloading areas, curb cuts on the site and within one hundred feet of the site.
The Planning Board may require a detailed traffic study for large developments or for those in heavily trafficked areas to include: - The projected number of motor vehicle trips to enter or leave from the site shall be estimated for daily and peak hour traffic levels. -The projected traffic flow pattern including vehicular movements at all major intersections likely to be affected by the proposed use of the site. - the impact of this traffic upon existing abutting public and private ways in relation to existing road capacities. Existing and proposed daily and peak hour traffic levels as well as road capacity levels will be given.
14. For new construction or alterations to any existing building a table containing the following information must be included:
109
a.Area of building to be used of a particular use such as selling, offices, storage, etc. b.Maximum number of employees.
c.Maximum seating capacity where applicable. d.Number of parking spaces existing and required for the intended use.
15. Elevation plans at a scale of 1/4"= 1'0" for all exterior facades of the proposed structure(s) and/or existing facades plus addition(s) showing design features and indicating the type and color of materials to be used.
Passed Unanimously: 12-0
Meeting Adjourned 7:16 PM.
A True Copy. Attest:
Town Clerk Lynda Hodsdon Mayo
110
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS SPECIAL TOWN MEETING May 1 2006
1047 Registered Voters 21 Voters Present
The Meeting was brought to order at 6:30 P.M. by the Moderator, Ray Steele in the upper level of the Gill Town Hall, Main Road.
MOTIONS:
Article 1 : Move that the Town of Gill vote to change all remaining references in the Gill Zoning Bylaws regarding responsibility of special permitting and site plan review from the Planning Board to the Zoning Board of Appeal.
Finance Committee voted unanimously in support of this article.
Passed-Unanimously
Article 2: Move the Town vote to transfer from free cash the sum of two thousand dollars and no cents ($2,000.00) for the police department expense account.
Finance Committee voted 3 in favor and 3 in opposition, rendering a tie vote on this article.
Passed-Majority
Article 3. Move the Town vote to transfer from free cash the sum of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) for the garage public safety building expense account.
Finance Committee voted 4 in favor and 2 in opposition, a majority approval for this article.
Passed-Majority
Meeting Adjourned at 6:44 P.M. A true copy. Attest: Lynda Hodsdon Mayo Town Clerk
111 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS ANNUAL TOWN MEETING May 1, 2006 1047 Registered Voters Opening-21 Voters Present
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by the Moderator, Ray Steele at the Gill Town Hall. Town Clerk Lynda Hodsdon Mayo read the introduction and ending of the warrant.
Selectboard person Ann Banash addressed the Moderator to make a motion to continue the Annual Town Meeting to June 26, 2006 with a preliminary informational meeting on June 19, 2006.
The motion was seconded and voted. The Moderator announced the Annual Town Meeting continued to June 26th…… at 6:00 P.M.
June 26, 2006 Continuation of the Annual Town Meeting
The Meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by the Moderator Ray Steele at the Gill Town Hall.
Voters Present 131
Article 1 : Move to hear and act upon the Annual Report of the Officers of the Town.
Here are the corrections I have thus far for the Town Report. I will be printing the motions to hand out for Annual Town Meeting continua- tion and would like to include these as well. Please let me know ASAP if any further changes or additions will be made. Thank you!
1) Page 26 – to include the addition of grants acquired by the Fire De- partment; 2) Page 72 – calculation of subtotals omitted on the Trust Funds Ac- counts for North Cemetery; 3) Page 20 –Assessors report the word Exemptions should replace the word Abatements under Real Estate; and 4) 4) Page 12 – Personnel Committee date of resignation for Sandy Brown should reflect June, not January. Passed Unanimously
112 Article 2: Move the Town elect the Selectboard as Fence Viewers; Measurers of Wood, Bark and Surveyors of Lumber and Cliff
Hatch and Ed Golembeski as field drivers - all for one year. Passed Unanimously
Article 3: Move the Town vote to accept and expend any sum of money that might be made available from State or Federal funds for roadwork for the fiscal year 2007 and for the Chapter 90 type funds, authorize the Select board to enter into contracts with the Common- wealth of Massachusetts Highway Department, and to authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectboard to borrow in antici- pation of reimbursement or take any action relative thereto. Passed Unanimously
Article 4: Move the Town vote to fix the salaries or compensation of the several officers of the Town as follows:
Moderator – Annual Town Meeting $100.45 Special Town Meetings 20.75 Selectperson Chair 2,234.91 Second & Third Member, each 2,021.67 Town Clerk 10,521.34 Tax Collector 14,344.25 From Sewer Receipts 569.25 Treasurer 10,895.00 Assessors – Chair 2,678.50 Second & Third Member, each 2,472.49 Board of Health – Chair 1,182.14 Second & third member, each 1,079.31 Registrars – three members, each 49.97 Town Clerk 80.04
Motion to Amend made by the Finance Committee to decrease the COLA by 1% to equal 2.5% COLA
Moderator – Annual Town Meeting $99.47 Special Town Meetings 20.55 Selectperson Chair 2,209.88 Second & Third Member, each 2,003.87 Town Clerk 10,419.68 Tax Collector 14,200.81
113 From Sewer Receipt 563.75 Treasurer 10,765.00 Assessors – Chair 2,652.62 Second & Third Member, each 2,411.10 Board of Health – Chair 1,159.75 Second & third member, each 1,056.74 Registrars – three members, each 49.48 Town Clerk 79.26
Motion made and seconded for amendment of the 2.5% increase. Amendment passed 65 Yes and 29 No Vote for amended motion: 68 Yes and 29 No
Motion is made by the Ann Banash the Chair of the Select Board to move forward and consider Articles 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17 next. Seconded and Passed
Article 12: Move the Town vote to transfer from the Quintus Allen Fund Five Hundred Fifty Dollars and No Cents ($550.00) for use at the Gill Elementary School. Passed Unanimously
Article 13: Move the Town vote to PASSOVER Article 13 to allow employment of a full-time firefighter. Voted Unanimously to Passover
Article 14: Move the Town vote to transfer from overlay surplus the sum of ($24,617.05), from special appropriation for Gill Ele- mentary boiler ($25,000.00) and from funds appropriated for As- sessors’ revaluation in the amount of ($11,009.67) for a total of Sixty Thousand Six Hundred Twenty Six Dollars and Seventy- Two Cents ($60,626.72) to provide for a full recollection of data, purchase or upgrade assessing software, provide conversion of data, training and services related to the mandated triennial certi- fication for the Assessors office. Passed Majority
Article 15: Move the Vote to Passover Article 15 Vote Unanimously to Passover
114 Article 16: Move the Town vote to raise and appropriate Two Thousand Two Hundred and No Cents ($2,200.00) for payment of the first of two installments to purchase a used voting machine and maintenance contract for the Town Clerk’s office. Passed Unanimously
Article 17: Move the Town vote to raise and appropriate by taxa- tion those amounts listed under FY2007 REQUESTED in the FY2007 Omnibus, except all salary amounts be reduced to reflect a 2.5% COLA and less amounts listed under the Available Funds Designation, including Thirty Six Thousand Five Hundred Two Dollars and 55/100 ($36,502.55) reserved bond premiums, One Hundred Fifty-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty-Two and 45/100 ($154,782.45) Debt Reserve funds, Fifty Six Thousand One Hundred Forty-Six Dollars and Twenty Five Cents ($56,146.25) Sewer Revenues, and less Fifteen Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($30,000.00) from reserved Trash Sticker Revenues for a total of Two Million Three Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty-Five Dollars and 69/100 ($2,335,785.69), to defray charges and expenses of the Town, including debt and interest, and to pro- vide for a reserve fund for the ensuing fiscal year.
FY2007 FINAL OMNIBUS reflects change to 2 1/2% FY2006 FY2007 AVAIL Dollar Percent APPROPRIATED REQUESTED FUNDS Increase Increase GENERAL GOVERNMENT > FY06 > FY06 Moderator 156.71 160.63 $ 4 2.50% Selectboard Salary 6,066.40 6,217.62 $ 151 2.49% Selectboard Expense 3,505.00 3,505.00 $ - 0.00% Legal Expenses 4,000.00 4,000.00 $ - 0.00% Admin Salary 38,251.20 40,531.58 $ 2,280 5.96% Admin Expenses 800.00 800.00 $ - 0.00% Finance Committee 125.00 125.00 $ - 0.00% Reserve Fund 2,500.00 2,500.00 $ - 0.00% Accountant Salary 19,837.00 20,655.00 $ 818 4.12% Accountant Expense 1,535.00 1,200.00 $ (335) -21.82% Assessors' Salary 7,366.50 7,550.13 $ 184 2.49% Assessors Clerk Salary 13,140.00 10,393.50 $ (2,747) -20.90% Assessors Legal Counsel 200.00 200.00 $ - 0.00% Assessors Expense 4,194.00 2,340.00 $ (1,854) -44.21% Treasurer Salary 8,790.41 10,895.00 $ 2,105 23.94% Treas/Coll Banking Serv. 150.00 150.00 $ - 0.00% Treas/Tax Title Forecl. 750.00 750.00 $ - 0.00% Treasurer Expenses 1,800.00 4,220.00 $ 2,420 134.44% Tax Collector Salary [SR] 13,114.53 14,344.25 569.25 $ 1,230 9.38% Tax Collector Expense 6,060.00 6,022.00 $ (38) -0.63% Town Clerk Salary 10,165.55 10,419.68 $ 254 2.50% Town Clerk Expense 2,459.85 2,375.0 0 $ (85) -3.45% Sal.Elect/Listers/Reg. 1,000.00 3,300.00 $ 2,300 230.00% Conservation Commission 500.00 375.00 $ (125) -25.00% Planning Board 745.00 7 45.00 $ - 0.00% Board of Appeals 500.00 500.00 $ - 0.00% IT Committee Expense 3,000.00 3,000.00 $ - 0.00% Town Hall 15,611.00 16,300.00 $ 689 4.41% Riverside Municipal Bldg. 7,922.00 8,675.00 $ 753 9.51% Garage/Public Safety Bldg. 11,235.00 14,990.00 $ 3,755 33.42% TOTAL GENERAL GOVT. 185,480.15 197,239.39 569.25 $ 11,759 6.34%
115 PUBLIC SAFETY Police Department 160,000.00 172,250.00 $ 12,250 7.66% Animal Control Officer 800.00 800.00 $ - 0.00% Dog Fund 800.00 800.00 $ - 0.00% Fire Department 62,000.00 66,100.00 $ 4,100 6.61% Civil Defense 400.00 400.00 $ - 0.00% TOTAL PUBLIC SAFETY 224,000.00 240,350.00 - $ 16,350 7.30%
PUBLIC WORKS Highway Dept.(part FY05 special art) 266,366.00 256,949.21 $ (9,417) -3.54% Bridges & Street Lights 6,000.00 8,000.00 $ 2,000 33.33% Tree & Forestry 4,000.00 4,000.00 $ - 0.00% Sewer Department [SR] 52,525.40 55,577.00 55,577.00 $ 3,052 5.81% Solid Waste District 2,524.00 2,634.00 $ 110 4.36% Haz. Waste Collection 850.00 850.00 $ - 0.00% Solid Waste Disposal/Recylcing 44,000.00 66,200.00 $ 22,200 50.45% [TSR] Recycling 22,200.00 - $ (22,200) -100.00% Cemetery Commission 2,500.00 2,500.00 $ - 0.00% TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS 400,965.40 396,710.21 55,577.00 $ (4,255) -1.06%
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Bd. of Health Salaries 6,715.93 6,883.83 $ 168 2.50% Bd. of Health Expense 500.00 500.00 $ - 0.00% Total Bd. of Health 7,215.93 7,383.83 $ 168 2.33% Council on Aging 5,720.11 6,022.00 $ 302 5.28% Veteran's District 2,709.00 3,245.00 $ 536 19.79% Veteran's Benefits 4,000.00 4,000.00 $ - 0.00%
TOTAL HEALTH & HUMAN SERV. 19,645.04 20,650.83 - $ 1,006 5.12% CULTURE AND RECREATION Library Salary 9,703.77 9,946.36 $ 243 2.50% Library Expense 6,000.00 6,300.00 $ 300 5.00% Total Library 15,703.77 16,246.36 $ 543 3.46% Recreation Committee 3,600.00 3,600.00 $ - 0.00% Historical Commission 450.00 860.00 $ 410 91.11% TOTAL CULTURE/REC. 19,753.77 20,706.36 - $ 953 4.82%
FIXED COSTS Garage Const. Loan - 2 yrs remaining 19,592.00 18,644.00 $ (948) -4.84% Temporary Loan Interest 7,500.00 20,000.00 $ 12,500 166.67% Property/Liability/Work Comp Insurance 43,000.00 48,500.00 $ 5,500 12.79% Group Health & Life Ins 75,000.00 82,000.00 $ 7,000 9.33% Unemployment Comp 2,550.00 2,550.00 $ - 0.00% Franklin County Retirement 46,680.00 57,965.00 $ 11,285 24.18% TOTAL FIXED COSTS 194,322.00 229,659.00 - $ 35,337 18.18%
FRANKLIN REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Statutory Assessment 2,039.64 2,431.09 $ 391 19.19% Core Services Assessment 5,762.38 6,057.06 $ 295 5.11% Fee for Service Programs (Engineering) 5,500.00 1,300.00 $ (4,200) -76.36% Regional Radio Assessment Fire/Police - 1,624.00 Regional Health Program 4,200.00 7,096.00 $ 2,896 68.95% Inspection Program 23,088.82 35,841.00 $ 12,752 55.23% TOTAL ASSESSMENT 40,590.84 54,349.15 - $ 13,758 33.90%
EDUCATION Gill/Montague School [DR] 1,095,041.00 1,165,805.00 154,782.45 $ 70,764 6.46% TFHS/GFMS Bldg. Loan [BP] 107,980.43 191,285.00 36,502.55 $ 83,305 77.15% Total Assessment 1,203,021.43 1,357,090.00 $ 154,069 12.81% Tech School District 74,149.00 96,462.00 $ 22,313 30.09% Tech School Capital Program 2,050.69 - $ (2,051) -100.00% TOTAL EDUCATION 1,279,221.12 1,453,552.00 191,285.00 $ 174,331 13.63%
OMNIBUS SUBTOTAL 2,363,978.32 2,613,216.94 $ 249,239 10.54% AVAILABLE FUNDS 223,490.82 247,431.25 247,431.25 $ 23,940 10.71% LESS PROPOSED TRANSFER OF FUNDS 16,090.94 30,000.00 OMNILESS TOTAL 2,124,396.56 2,335,785.69 $ 211,389 9.95%
AVAIL SR: Sewer Receipts BP: GM Bond Premium Receipt FUNDS: DR: Debt Reserve TSR: Trash Sticker Receipts
Percentage Increase computed by dividing the dollar increase by the FY2006 appropriated, then multiplying the resulting fraction by 100.
116 Amendment to add $1,800.00 to Recreation Department Budget Passed by Majority
Vote on budget as amended to reflect additional $1,800.00 Total: $2,335,785.69 Passed Majority
Article 5: Motion to pass over. Passed Unanimously
Article 6: Move the town vote to accept the provision of MGL chapter 140, section 147A to empower the town to enact by-laws and ordinances relative to the regulation of dogs. Passed Unanimously
Article 7: Move the Town vote to authorize a revolving account pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53E ½ for which revenues from fees or fines related to the licensing and care of dogs will be deposited into the fund and expended to purchase dog tags, pay for various expenses in relation to licensing, care and other related dog control expenses under the direction of the Town Clerk, and total expenditures for the fiscal year begin- ning July 1 st next will be limited to $2000, with all money remaining in the fund at the end of each fiscal year. Passed Unanimously
Article 8: Move the town vote to establish the following bylaw pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 140:
Section 1
1.1 The registering, numbering, description and licensing, pursuant to the provisions of MGL chapter 140, of all dogs and kennels in the Town of Gill shall be con- ducted in the office of the Town Clerk. Said licensing period is from April 1 to March 31. All dogs six months of age or older shall be licensed and have a cur- rent rabies inoculation as required under MGL chapter 140, sections 137 and 145B as amended.
1.2 The fees shall be as prescribed in MGL chapter 140, except that the annual fee for the licenses shall be: Male…………………………………$10 Female………………………………$ 10 Neutered Male………………………$ 5 Spayed Female ………...……………$ 5 Kennel license a. Not more than four dogs…….$15 b. Five to nine dogs……………$30
117 c. Ten or more dogs……………$50
1.3 An additional late fee of $10 for every dog shall be as- sessed to a dog owner who fails to properly license his dog by June 1 of any year. 1.4 The Select Board as deemed necessary will approve any future changes to the fee structure of the dog licensing program. Kennel fees shall be set from time to time by the Select Board and shall reflect the cost for boarding and care of a dog on a daily basis. 1.5 No fee shall be charged for a license for a service dog specifically trained and certified as such. No license fee or part thereof shall be refunded because of a subse- quent death, loss, spaying, neutering, removal from the Town or any other disposal of the dog. 1.6 All monies collected for licenses, fees or fines related to the licensing and care of dogs will be retained by the Town in a revolving fund pursuant to Chapter 44, sec- tion 53E ½ to pay for the various expenses in relation to the licenses, the care and destruction of the dogs, and any payment for damages committed by dogs of no known owner. 1.7 Any payments made for damages are subject to Chapter 140, section 161A and in no case shall exceed $500. Passed Unanimously
Article 9: Move the Town vote to adopt the following Excessive Noise bylaw:
Because excessive noise can interfere with the public health, safety, welfare and peace and quiet of the inhabitants of the Town of Gill, it shall be unlawful for any person or persons occupying, having the charge of, or being present in or about any buildings, structure, premises, shelter, vehicle, or con- veyance or any part thereof, in the Town of Gill, due to un- due or extreme acceleration of off road recreational vehicle, snowmobile, ATV, or skidding or spinning of the wheels of such vehicle on the pavement or road surface.
Assessment of the noise shall be as follows: if after a complaint to the police the noise is plainly audible from the building or structure or premises or shelter or lot line thereof, in which or from which the noise is produced, interfering with the public health, safety, welfare, peace and quiet of complaints, the fact that the noise is plainly audible by a law enforcement officer shall constitute prima facie evidence of a vio- lation of this bylaw.
Whoever is found in violation of any of the provisions or requirements of this by-law may be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred
118 dollars ($200.00) for each offense. All prosecutions of any violations shall begin within six (6) months from the date of any citation for said offense. Police Officers are empowered to enforce violations of this bylaw. Passed 40 YES 28 NO
Article 10: Move the Town vote to establish an Agricultural Commis- sion to represent the Gill commercial farming and agricultural commu- nity, as well as other farming and forestry activities.
The purpose of the Agricultural Commission will be to support agriculture and other farming activities in the Town of Gill. The Commission’s duties shall include but will not be limited to the following: serve as facilitators for encouraging the pursuits of agriculture in Gill; promote agricultural-based opportunities in Town; act as mediators, advocates, educators, and/or negotiators on farming issues; work for the preservation of prime agricul- tural lands; advise the Board of Selectman, or any other appro- priate Town Boards on issues involving agriculture; and shall pursue all initiatives appropriate to creating a sustainable agri- cultural community.
The Commission shall consist of five members appointed by the Moderator, of which the majority of the membership shall be substantially engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. All members of the Commission must either be residents of the town, or own- ers and farmers of agricultural property within the town. There may be up to three alternates appointed to the Commission by the Moderator that will serve to fill any vacancies at a meeting of the Commission.
In making appointments, the Moderator is asked specifically to consider the intent of the Commission to represent the agricul- tural interests of the Town.
The terms will be as follows: Two members for a term of three years; two members for a term of two years and three thereafter; and one member for a term of one year and three years thereaf- ter. The Moderator shall fill a vacancy based on the unexpired term of the vacancy in order to maintain the cycle of appointments, based upon the recommendations of the Commission .
Passed Unanimously
119 Article 11: Move the Town vote to accept the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 32B, §18 requiring that all retirees, their spouses and dependents who are en- rolled in Medicare Part A at no cost to a retiree, their spouse or dependents, or eligible for coverage thereunder at no cost to a retiree, their spouse or depend- ents, be required to enroll in a Medicare health benefits supplement plan offered by the town.
Passed Unanimously
Article 18: Move the Town to authorize and direct the Assessors to take One Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($190,000.00) from unappropri- ated funds to be used to stabilize the tax levy for fiscal year 2007.
Passed Unanimously
Article 19: Move the Town vote to transfer from unappropriated funds, the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars and 00/100 ($30,000) for the stabilization fund.
Passed Unanimously Tributes
Patricia Hawkins By Beverly Demars
Patricia Hawkins served 6 years on the Cemetery Commission. Pat almost single-handed read and transcribed all the information from every grave- stone in North Cemetery for our records.
She attended Greenfield Community College classes to learn how to clean a gravestone the correct way and how to straighten out the leaning stones. Many Saturday mornings, or after finishing her full-time job during the week, you could find Pat helping with those projects. She was always willing to give her time for the Town and we thank her for that.
Oleathia Prevett and Joseph Girard By Harriet A. Tidd
Gill lost two long-time members of its Council on Aging.
Oleathia Mae Prevett died on November 30, 2005. Oleathia and her husband, Frank were named to the Council in 1988. Frank died a few years ago, but in spite of poor health, Oleathia kept up her interest. During her earlier years on the farm, she enjoyed helping out with 4-H youngsters. Many people will remember and have enjoyed purchasing vegetables at her self-service stand.
Joseph Girard was one of the original members of the Council since 1984. It was poor health that curbed his activity the last few years. He also served the town as selectman, moderator and electrical inspector.
120 As these old-timers pass on, citizens willing to devote a few hours to the Town are getting hard to find.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
A true Copy. Attest:
Lynda Hodsdon Mayo , Town Clerk
NMH Sugar House - Linda Marlowe
121
Annual Election Minutes Monday, May 15th, 2006
1045 Registered Voters Participating Voters - 55
Selectman/Sewer Commissioner Tree Warden three year term Leland Stevens 43 Ernest Hastings 46 Sandra Brown 4 Craig Gaudry 1 Ernest Hastings 1 Blanks 8 Ray Steele 2 Blank 5
Board of Assessors three-year term Board of Health three-year term JoAnn Greenleaf 6 Randy Crochier 52 Paul Seamans 1 Blanks 3 Joseph St Peter 1 Amy Williams 1 Steve Greenwald 1 Blanks 45
Board of Assessors one-year term Library Trustee three-year term Nancy Krejmas 1 Ellen Johnson 50 Joseph Cocco 1 Blanks 5 Lynda Hodsdon Mayo 3 Alan Tupper Brown 1 Robin Paris 1 Blanks 48
Moderator three-year term Treasurer one-year ter Ray Steele 54 Veronica LaChance 51 Blanks 1 Ellen Hastings 1 Blanks 3
Cemetery Commissioner three-year term Town Clerk three-year term Patricia Haigis 5 Lynda Hodsdon Mayo 53 Nicholas Stevens 1 Blanks 2 Edith Hastings 1 Susan Maddern 1 Blanks 47
Gill Montague Regional School District-Gill Valeria Smith 53 Blank 2
A true copy. Attest: Lynda Hodsdon Mayo, Town Clerk Town of Gill
122 The Gill Town Hall decked out for the Holidays—Debra Roussel , AA Wreaths donated by Greenfield Farmers Exchange Conifer trees from Sudbury Nursery
123
COMMITTEE AND BOARDS SCHEDULE
Selectboard Alternate Mondays 5:00 p.m. Administrative Assistant Monday ~ Fridays 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Telephone 413-863-9347
Board of Assessors Monday 6:30– 8:30 p.m. Assessors Clerk Monday ~ Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Telephone 413-863-0138
Board of Health 2nd & 4 th Mondays 5:00 p.m.
Cemetery Commission 2nd Thursday 6:30 p.m. (Recess from Dec-Mar)
Council on Aging 1st Tuesday 1:00 p.m. Telephone (413) 863-9357 @ TF Senior Ctr.
Conservation Commission 1st Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
Finance Committee As Posted 7:00 p.m.
Fire Department Thursdays 7:00 p.m. Telephone 413-863-8955 @ Fire Station
FC Tech School District 2nd Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Telephone 413-863-9561 @ Tech School
GM School District 2nd & 4 th Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Telephone 413-863-9324 @ Sheffield Elemen- tary
Historical Commission 3rd Tuesday 5:30 p.m. @ RMB
Planning Board 2nd Thursday 7:00 p.m.
Town Clerk Monday - Thursday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Telephone 413-863-8103 Monday evenings 5:30—6:30 p.m. Other Times Available by Appointment
Treasurer-Collector Tuesdays -Thursdays 9:30 a. m. – 4 p.m. Telephone 413-863-2105 Monday evenings 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Recreation Commission 2nd Friday 6:30 p.m.
Zoning Board of Appeals 4th Monday 7:00 p.m.
ALL MEETINGS HELD AT TOWN HALL UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
325 Main Road, Gill MA 01376 Unless otherwise noted Telephone 413-863-9347 Fax 413-863-7775 Website: www.gillmass.org 124 Email: [email protected]